Formal charges against 45 accused soon

The prosecution will soon press formal charges against 45 accused, including 18 high-profile political figures, as investigations near completion, ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said yesterday.

Speaking to journalists, Tajul said investigations into several of the accused have already been completed, while inquiries into the rest are at their final stages.

He explained that although the initial complaint named all 45 accused together, separate investigations have since been carried out. "Formal charges have already been pressed against some, and the rest will be charged in small groups of two or three as their investigations conclude," he said.

"Once all investigations are complete, the formal trials will begin," he added.

The accused include 11 former ministers, two ex-advisers to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, two former state ministers, a former lawmaker, a former Supreme Court justice, and a former secretary.

16 ACCUSED PRODUCED BEFORE ICT-1

At around 11:15am yesterday, 16 of the high-profile accused were brought to the courtroom of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in connection with a miscellaneous case filed against the 45 individuals over crimes against humanity during the July uprising.

A miscellaneous case becomes a regular case once formal charges are pressed.

Before proceedings began, many of the accused -- once powerful figures in government -- chatted among themselves. Some smiled; others appeared thoughtful or tense.

Former ministers Shajahan Khan, Abdur Razzaque, Dipu Moni, and Hasanul Haq Inu were seen talking to each other.

Shajahan also spoke with Salman F Rahman, while Inu chatted with former MP Solaiman Selim. Across the dock, Amir Hossain Amu conversed with Anisul Huq, and Qamrul Islam spoke with Razzaque and Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury.

In contrast, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Golam Dastagir Gazi, and Rashed Khan Menon remained silent, some looking down or appearing visibly anxious.

Soon after entering the dock, Dipu Moni expressed frustration, saying in a raised voice, "Am I a child? Why am I always made to sit in the corner chair? I carried out my responsibilities along with everyone else."

After about 20 minutes, the accused were escorted out as the judges set December 18 as the next hearing date.

Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Amir Hossain Amu, and Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury appeared to struggle with mobility due to age-related complications.

Before being taken back to the lockup, the accused were briefly allowed to meet their families. The atmosphere outside the courtroom was filled with mixed emotions as families exchanged quick goodbyes.

Among others present were retired justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik and former secretary Jahangir Alam.

Meanwhile, the tribunal ordered authorities to produce former Chattogram Metropolitan Police commissioner Saiful Islam on October 30 in connection with the killing of three people during the July 16 uprising in Chattogram.

The prosecution said Saiful had filed over 25 false cases against students and civilians during the movement. He was arrested on February 12.