Once power brokers, now defendants

The clock had just struck 11:15am today. Sixteen accused were brought to the courtroom of the International Crimes Tribunal-1. Among them were 10 former ministers of the deposed Awami League government, one former state minister, two former advisers, a former MP, a former justice, and a former secretary.

They were produced before the tribunal today in connection with a case filed against 45 over crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising.

Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere contrasted sharply with the gravity of the allegations. Before the hearing began, many of the accused -- once powerful figures in government -- chatted among themselves. Some smiled, some appeared pensive, while others sat quietly, surveying the packed courtroom.

Shajahan Khan. Photo: Feroz Ahmed/Star

Former ministers Shajahan Khan, Abdur Razzaque, Dipu Moni, and Hasanul Haq Inu were talking to each other. Shajahan also spoke with Salman F Rahman. Inu chatted with former MP Solaiman Selim. Across them, Amir Hossain Amu engaged in conversation with Anisul Huq, while Qamrul Islam spoke with Razzaque and Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury.

But not all faces carried signs of calm. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Golam Dastagir Gazi, and Rashed Khan Menon sat silently -- some staring downward, others visibly anxious.

Soon after entering the dock, former minister Dipu Moni expressed her frustration, saying in a slightly 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."

They remained inside the dock for about 20 minutes while the judges were still in chambers. Suddenly, news spread in the courtroom: the next date for the case had been set on December 18.

A murmur ran through the lawyers and journalists present. Police officers were then instructed to take the accused away from the dock.

Before being taken back to prison, the accused were allowed a brief meeting with their families. There were mixed emotions on the court premises -- some silently saying goodbye.

Among others brought to the court were former minister Kamal Ahmed Majumder, retired justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik; and former secretary Jahangir Alam.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the prosecution began its arguments for the fourth consecutive day in the case against the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who is now an approver.

Speaking to journalists after recess, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said although the initial complaint was registered against 45 accused, separate investigations were conducted against many of them individually.

"Formal charges will be pressed against the remaining accused in small groups of two or three once the investigations against them are completed. The investigations are at the end stage," he said.