ICT frames charges against 26 over July killings

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Sunday framed formal charges against 26 accused, including former Dhaka-18 lawmaker Mohammad Habib Hasan, in connection with crimes against humanity committed by killing of 11 people including Mir Mugdho in Uttara during the July Mass Uprising.

In an order, the three-member tribunal bench headed by Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury fixed November 4 for opening statements by the prosecution and the recording of witness testimony in connection with the case. Earlier in day, in the presence of eight detained accused, Justice Chowdhury read out the two charges.

After the charges were read out, the accused were asked whether they pleaded guilty or not guilty. All eight denied the charges and sought justice from the tribunal. The eight detained accused are former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Uttara Division additional deputy commissioner Mirza Salahuddin, former Uttara East Police Station officer-in-charge Md Mojibur Rahman, former Azampur Police Outpost constable Md Hossain Ali, Uttara East Thana Awami League president Monowar Islam Chowdhury Robin, Juba League president Md Delwar Hossain Rubel, Awami League leader Md Sohel Rana, ward Swechchhasebak League vice-president Md Shah Alam and Turag-area Awami League activist Md Irfanul Haque Gazi.

Former lawmaker Habib Hasan and 17 other accused are absconding, including former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman, former Uttara Division deputy commissioner Kazi Ashraful Azim, former additional deputy commissioner Md Tohidul Islam, former assistant commissioner Sumon Kar, former Uttara West Police Station OC BM Farman Ali and former Uttara East Police Station inspector (operations) Mahmudul Hasan.