The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday issued warrants for the arrest of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in a case filed over crimes against humanity during the July-August mass uprising.

A three-member ICT bench led by its chairman Justice Golam Martuza passed the order after accepting the charges against Hasina, Asaduzzaman and former General of Police (IGP) Abdullah Al-Mamun.

The ICT also shown Mamun arrested in the case.

The court ordered the authorities concerned to produce them before the court on June 16 and fixed the same date for next hearing.

The court proceedings including the hearing on the formal complaint were broadcast live on BTV.

Earlier in the day, the prosecution submitted the charges against Sheikh Hasina branding her as the mastermind and instructor of the July mass killing.

Charges were also brought against Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Abdullah Al-Mamun.

On May 12, the investigation agency of the ICT submitted a report accusing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others of committing crimes against humanity in connection with the mass killing that took place during July and August, 2024.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam disclosed this at a press conference on that day.

“Sheikh Hasina has been accused of five specific crimes against humanity. While two of the charges have been made public, the rest will remain confidential for now,” he said.

The first charge is incitement and provocation as Sheikh Hasina referred to protesters as descendants of Razakars at a press conference that incited law enforcement forces and Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League activists to launch attacks on the protestors, he said.

The second charge centers on direct orders, he said.

The investigation team seized several phone call recordings in which Sheikh Hasina is heard issuing clear instructions to state forces to use helicopters, drones, and APCs against unarmed protestors, he added.

ICT prosecutors, investigation officers empowered to arrest without warrant  

On August 14, 2024, charges of crimes against humanity were brought against Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal after her ouster on August 5 in a mass uprising.

The investigation into those charges began on October 14 last year.After six months and 28 days, the investigation concluded in May.