Charges pressed against Shamim Osman, 11 others

Former Awami League lawmaker AKM Shamim Osman phoned then bridges minister Obaidul Quader, saying he had taken up firearms after police sought his help, and asked Quader to inform the deposed prime minister not to be angered if photographs of him carrying weapons were published, the prosecution told International Crimes Tribunal-1 yesterday.

Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim referred to and read out a transcript of part of the conversation while pressing formal charges in a crimes against humanity case against Shamim and 11 others, including his family members and relatives, over the alleged killing of 10 people and causing injuries to dozens of others during the 2024 mass uprising in Narayanganj.

Those include Shamim’s son Imtinan Osman Ayan, also known as Ayan Osman; his nephew Azmeri Osman; Ayan’s brother-in-law Minhaj Uddin Ahmed Diki; and Shamim’s brother-in-law Tanvir Ahmed Titu.

The names of six others were not disclosed to the media. All the accused are absconding.

The tribunal took cognisance of the charges after hearing the prosecution and issued arrest warrants against the accused, asking police to produce them before the court by January 26.

The prosecution brought three charges against the 12 accused.

According to Charge 1, on July 19, 2024, in several areas of Narayanganj, Shamim, in person and on his instructions, along with Ayan, Azmeri, Minhaj, Titu and others under his control, allegedly carried out attacks on unarmed protesters using firearms and sharp weapons. Six people, including six-year-old Riya Gope, were killed, and many others were critically injured.

Charge 2 says on July 21 in Fatullah, Shamim and his associates allegedly opened fire on unarmed protesters, killing two people and injuring many others.

Charge 3 says on August 5, the same accused allegedly carried out another armed attack in Chashara, killing two protesters and attempting to murder many others, offences punishable under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973.