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Ex-army officer Ziaul Ahsan attends tribunal hearing virtually

Published : Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 at 11:53 AM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

Former military officer Ziaul Ahsan did not appear in person at the International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday due to security concerns, participating in the proceedings through a virtual video link from prison instead.

Tribunal-1 heard the crimes against humanity case against him via video connection on Tuesday, October 13.

ICT Prosecutor Mizanul Islam confirmed the development to media, stating that both Ziaul and his family expressed serious safety fears regarding his transit between the prison and the tribunal. Following court permission, he attended the hearing remotely from prison.

Earlier on October 8, the state proposed conducting virtual hearings from jail if transporting him in a single prison van posed security risks.

During the previous hearing, Ziaul's lawyer and sister, Naznin Nahar, pointed out that while other defendants travel together, Ziaul has been transported alone in an independent prison van since September 16, raising safety worries.

Naznin argued that transporting him alone amid current law and order conditions could invite untoward incidents, demanding he travel with other co-accused. She questioned why he faced isolated transit while others did not.

Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim responded that if safety remained a concern, virtual attendance via video link from jail served as a viable alternative permitted under court rules.

However, Naznin opposed the state's virtual proposal, questioning why traveling alongside other defendants would create security hurdles.

At one point during the proceedings, Ziaul sought permission to speak. He alleged to Tribunal-1 that transporting him alone aimed to fabricate an incident and shift blame onto him.

The tribunal bench reviewed arguments from both sides before granting the virtual appearance.

Trial Nears Completion

State witness testimonies in the crimes against humanity case against Ziaul—involving charges of enforced disappearance and murder involving over a hundred victims—are nearing conclusion.

The investigation officer finished recording his deposition as the final witness, and cross-examination is set to begin.

Ziaul faces multiple charges including abduction, murder, and torture, alongside several other pending cases at the tribunal.

-SA

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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