Trial against Ziaul Ahsan in ICT case begins on Feb 8

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 ordered to start the trial against retired major general Ziaul Ahsan by framing charges in a case over more than a hundred incidents of disappearances and murders during the ousted Awami League regime.

The tribunal on Wednesday (January 14) also fixed February 8 for placing the prosecution's opening statement and for recording witness testimonies.

The order was issued by a three-member judicial panel of the tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder. The other members of the panel are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired district and sessions judge Md Mohitul Haq Enam Chowdhury.

At the outset, the tribunal rejected petitions filed by the defence seeking Ziaul Ahsan's acquittal from the case. Subsequently, Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud read out three charges brought against the accused.

After the charges were read out, the tribunal asked Ziaul Ahsan, whether he pleaded guilty. In response, he said, "Not guilty."

Following this, the tribunal formally framed the charges and ordered the start of the trial.