Hasanat Abdullah, 3 others face trial over 2015 Barishal killings

International Crimes Tribunal-2 set October 29 for the continuation of the cross-examination on Sunday (October 18).

The accused in the case include former Member of Parliament Abul Hasanat Abdullah, former Barishal Superintendent of Police (SP) AKM Ehsanullah, and two former police personnel, Mahabul Islam and Jasim Uddin.

According to the case dossier, Tipu Hawlader, then joint general secretary of the upazila unit of Chhatra Dal, and Kabir Molla, organizational secretary of Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas), were killed on the night of February 21, 2015, in Agailjhara, Barishal, under the guise of an armed encounter or "crossfire."

The formal charges state that the victims were political opponents of Abul Hasanat Abdullah. Failing to counter them politically, the accused allegedly conspired and abused state power to orchestrate their murders.

As per the allegations, acting on the directives of Abul Hasanat Abdullah and AKM Ehsanullah, subordinate police personnel shot and killed Tipu Hawlader and Kabir Molla near the western side of the big bridge on the Agailjhara bypass road along the Gournadi-Gopalganj highway on the night of February 21, 2015.

A case alleging crimes against humanity was subsequently filed against the four individuals. Among them, Abul Hasanat Abdullah and AKM Ehsanullah remain fugitives, while former Wazirpur police station Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mahabul Islam and Jasim Uddin have been arrested and are currently behind bars.

On May 20, International Crimes Tribunal-2 ordered the commencement of the trial against the four accused, setting June 17 for the start of the deposition of witnesses. Judicial proceedings are currently underway through the recording of prosecution testimonies and cross-examination by the defence.