The International Crimes Tribunal-2 is expected to deliver its verdict at any time in a high-profile crimes against humanity case over the killing of seven youths and the destruction of evidence in Ashulia during the August 2024 unrest.
On Tuesday, the three-member tribunal led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury concluded hearings after both sides completed their legal arguments and kept the judgment under consideration. The case was placed on CAV, indicating the court is ready to announce its decision.
The tribunal had earlier framed charges on August 21, 2025, against 16 individuals in connection with the incident. Eight of the accused are currently in custody.
Seven of them pleaded not guilty and sought acquittal, while one accused, Sub-Inspector Sheikh Abzalul Haque, admitted guilt and later turned approver.
Those contesting the charges include several former police officials: Additional Superintendent of Police Md Abdullahil Kafi, ASP Md Shahidul Islam, Detective Branch Inspector Md Arafat Hossain, sub-inspectors Abdul Malek and Arafat Uddin, assistant sub-inspector Kamrul Hasan, and constable Mukul Chokder.
Prosecutors have said that a total of 29 people lost their lives in Savar during the uprising, with one death reported on August 4 and six on August 5.
They argued that the alleged killings constituted one offence, while the subsequent attempt to dispose of bodies amounted to a separate and serious crime.
As part of the proceedings, the tribunal on July 16 ordered public notices in two national newspapers directing eight fugitive accused to surrender, warning that the trial would continue in their absence if they failed to comply.
Earlier, on July 2, the tribunal took cognizance of the formal charges and issued arrest warrants against eight absconding suspects, including former lawmaker Muhammad Saiful Islam and former Deputy Inspector General of Police Nurul Islam.
The investigation agency submitted its report on June 19.
According to the prosecution, the victims were shot on August 5, 2024, and efforts were later made to conceal the incident by setting fire to a vehicle carrying the bodies, allegedly to make it appear as an act carried out by protesters.
