United News of Bangladesh

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) on Thursday set November 17 to deliver its first verdict in a case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over alleged crimes against humanity during last year’s July-August uprising. A three-member tribunal, headed by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder and Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, fixed the date. Two other accused in the case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Mamun testified as a state witness. Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the sole accused in the case. On March 16 this year, the prosecution appealed to include former IGP Mamun as an accused alongside Sheikh Hasina and the tribunal approved it. After the Awami League government was toppled on August 5, 2024, the ICT was reconstituted. The first case in the reconstituted tribunal concerned alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising, with Sheikh Hasina as the accused. The tribunal conducted its first hearing on October 17 last year, issuing an arrest warrant against Hasina that day. Tensions rise as ICT going to set verdict date in Hasina case After extending the deadline several times, the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its final probe report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on May 12 this year. On June 1, the prosecution formally filed charges against Sheikh Hasina and the two accused. The charges include: ·         Inciting violence in a press conference at Ganabhaban on 14 July 2024; ·         Ordering the elimination of protestors using helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons; ·         The shooting death of student Abu Saeed at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur; ·         The killing of six protestors at Chankharpul, Dhaka; ·         The burning of six individuals in Ashulia. The tribunal formally framed these charges on July 10. Hasina and Asaduzzaman remain at large, while former IGP Mamun is the only arrested accused. On the day the charges were framed, Mamun admitted his involvement in crimes against humanity during the uprising and applied to testify as a state witness. Arguments in the case began on October 12 and concluded on October 23. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has sought the death penalty for Hasina and Asaduzzaman over the alleged crimes. ICT orders trial against Inu over six Kushtia killings On the other hand, state-appointed lawyer Md. Amir Hossain has sought acquittal for both Hasina and Khan, while Mamun’s lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad has also sought his acquittal.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday ordered that 15 army officers accused in three separate cases over enforced disappearances, killings, and other crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Awami League regime be sent to jail after being shown arrested. A three-member panel, headed by ICT-1 Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order after hearing a petition. Two other members are Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and Judge Md Mohitul Haq Enam Chowdhury. The accused officers, held in custody over allegations of enforced disappearances and killings during the Awami League’s regime, were brought to the tribunal amid strict security around 7:15 am. They appealed for bail but the tribunal rejected their petitions and ordered their detention in jail. Among those sent to prison are former Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) Additional Director General Brig Gen Md Jahangir Alam, Brig Gen Tofayel Mostafa Sarwar, Brig Gen Md Kamrul Hasan, Brig Gen Md Mahbub Alam, Brig Gen K.M. Azad, Col Abdullah Al Momen and Col Anwar Latif Khan (now on retirement leave). Jamaat Ameer appreciates move to try army officers linked to enforced disappearances, killings Others include ex-Rab intelligence wing officials Lt Col Md Mashiur Rahman, Lt Col Saiful Islam Sumon, Lt Col Sarwar Bin Kashem, Lt Col Mohammad Redwanul Islam, and former Borger Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officer Maj Md Rafat-bin-Alam. The tribunal also ordered the imprisonment of three former DGFI directors -Maj Gen Sheikh Md Sarwar Hossain, Brig Gen Md Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui, and Brig Gen Ahmed Tanvir Majahar Siddiqui. Earlier in the morning, the accused were produced before the ICT in connection with the three cases. According to the prosecution, 34 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have been named as accused in the three cases. One case names 17 accused, another 13 and the third four. Retired army officers demand exemplary punishment for perpetrators of BDR massacre Hasina has been named in two of the cases. Among the 25 army officers charged, 15 are currently in custody. Security was tightened in the capital from early morning with police, Rab, BGB, and army personnel stationed around Kakrail, Matsya Bhaban, Paltan and the High Court’s Mazargate area. The first case involves allegations that opposition figures were abducted and secretly detained and tortured inside the Task Force Interrogation (TFI) cell operated by Rab during the Awami League’s tenure. In the case, the formal charges naming Hasina and 16 others were submitted on October 8. The second case was filed against Hasina, and 12 others over enforced disappearances allegedly carried out at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC), also known as the “Aynaghar.” The third case accuses four officers, including BGB’s Lt Col Redwanul Islam, of crimes against humanity for the killing of 28 people during the July-August movement in Rampura. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam presented the charges before the tribunal and requested that they be accepted for trial. After a preliminary hearing, the tribunal issued arrest warrants and ordered the accused to appear by today (October 22).

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Monday framed charges against eight policemen including former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman in a case filed over the killing of six students during July-August movement in Dhaka's Chankharpool area. A three-member ICT bench led by its chairman Justice Golam Martuza Majumdar officially framed the charges against them. Earlier, four accused in the case, Inspector Arshad, constable Md Sujon, Constable Emaz Hossain Emon and Constable Nasirul Islam were produced before the tribunal. The four others accused including the former DMP commissioner remained absconding. The three other accused  are former joint commissioner of DMP Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former additional deputy commissioner (Ramna zone) Shah Alam Md Akhtarul Islam and former assistant commissioner (Ramna zone) Mohammad Emrul. Earlier on May 25, the ICT took the charges into cognizance when the chief prosecutor of ICT Tajul Islam submitted a chargesheet in the Chankharpool killing. On April 21, the investigation agency of the ICT submitted its report accusing eight policemen in the case. The 90-page report was prepared and submitted to the prosecution within 195 days of initiating the investigation. Abu Sayed murder: ICT asks 26 fugitives to appear before tribunal According to the report, six people were killed in Chankharpool on August 5 last year. They were—Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Mahdi Hassan Junayed, Md Yakub, Md Rakib Hawladar, Md Ismamul Haque and Manik Mia. Tajul Islam said the report includes evidence—collected through various video footages—of direct involvement of some accused in the shooting. Others, mostly senior officials, were charged under the doctrine of command responsibility.  

The government has formed a six-member taskforce to investigate irregularities and corruption in various projects under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and prepare a comprehensive ‘white paper’ in this regard. Development economist Prof Dr Niaz Asadullah has been appointed as the head of the taskforce and the white paper committee. The committee also includes Prof Muhammad Mustafa Hussain, Barrister Afzal Jami Syed Ali, technology expert Mahmud Salam Maruf, and journalist Md Shariat Ullah. Asif Shahriar Sushmit, a technology expert, will serve as the chief coordinator of the taskforce. The ICT Division issued a circular in this regard on Thursday, stating that the taskforce was originally approved via a government gazette on April 17. The latest circular formalised the composition of the committee. Contractual appointments at top levels of administration raise concerns According to the gazette, the taskforce has been formed with domain experts to investigate mismanagement and irregularities in the ICT sector and to prepare the white paper. The taskforce will scrutinise all agreements and Development Project Proposals (DPPs) executed during the tenure of the previous government, as well as audit reports and investigation findings. The committee is expected to submit both a summary and a detailed report by June 21. Members of the taskforce will receive honorariums or sitting allowances as per regulations, and the ICT Division will provide logistical and other necessary support.

The investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday submitted  its report accusing eight policemen in a case over the killing of six students during July-August movement  in Dhaka's Chankharpul area. The accused are former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, former Joint Commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former Additional Deputy Commissioner (Ramna Zone) Shah Alam, former Assistant Commissioner Md Imrul, former Inspector (Operations) of Shahbagh Police Station Arshad Hossain, and constables Sujon, Imad Hossain, and Nasirul Islam. This is the first case investigated over the killings that took place during July-August. The 90-page report was prepared and submitted to the prosecution within 195 days of initiating the investigation, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal  Tajul Islam said. “The investigation into Chankharpul  massacre has been completed. The investigation agency submitted the report to us on Sunday .This marks the completion of the first investigation related to the July-August killings,”he said. Families of victims of enforced disappearances demand justice According to the report, six people were killed in Chankharpul on August 5 last year. Tajul Islam said the report includes evidence—collected through various video footages—of direct involvement of some accused in the shooting. Others, mostly senior officials, were charged under the doctrine of command responsibility. Four of the eight accused are currently on the run, the chief prosecutor added.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday ordered the authorities concerned to complete the investigation into the case filed on charge of crimes against humanity over the killing of Begum Rokeya University Student Abu Sayed during the July uprising and submit the report by June 15. The three-member bench of the ICT led by its chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder passed the order after hearing a petition. NBR Chairman refers to Shaheed Abu Sayed as “Bir Sreshtho” The court also asked to keep former sub-inspector Amir Hossain, constable Sujon Roy, former proctor of Begum Rokeya University Shariful Islam and banned Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury Akash in jail after showing them arrested in the case. All the four accused were produced before the court in the morning. Prosecutor Mizanul Islam said preliminary evidence of crime was found against 26 people in the murder case and the investigation is in its final stages. On March 2, the tribunal asked police to produce four accused in the case before the tribunal on April 9. Abu Sayed killing: 2 cops put on 4-day remand Abu Sayed, a 12th batch student of Begum Rokeya University's English Department, was killed in the anti-discrimination student movement on July 16 afternoon - thus becoming the first student killed in police firing in the July movement. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Amir Hossain and Constable Sujan Chandra Roy were suspended and attached to the police lines for their alleged involvement in the killing.    

The International Crimes Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant against former Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Harun Ur Rashid in a case over killing people shooting  from helicopters during the July uprising. The tribunal, led by Chairman Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order on Sunday following a petition by the prosecution. It also ordered the interrogation of sub-inspector Malek and constable Mukul in another case involving the burning of six bodies in Ashulia during the same period. ICT Division aims to develop inclusive payment ecosystem through ‘EkPay’ According to the prosecution, Harun Ur Rashid, who  served as the RAB DG from June 5 to August 6 last year, orchestrated  the helicopter shootings, indiscriminate killings and incitement. Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam said “Our investigation has found evidence of mass shootings from helicopter during the protests in July and August. Harun Ur Rashid, who was an Additional IGP at the time and RAB’s DG, executed these plans through his subordinates.”  “The crimes committed by RAB under his leadership include grave violations. The tribunal has ordered his arrest and appearance before the court as soon as he is arrested.” The tribunal  set March 23 for next hearing. So far, the tribunal has issued arrest warrants against 96 people mostly police officers and some civilians, Tazul said.  

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division is taking strides to create a reliable and inclusive payment ecosystem through the payment aggregator ‘EkPay.’ This initiative is designed to allow people to pay utility bills, education fees, and government institution fees through any payment channel of their choice. The ‘EkPay’ platform, currently operated by the ICT Division under the supervision of Bangladesh Bank, aims to ensure the use of IT in financial services and to bring the grassroots people under the financial services network, said a press release on Friday. To achieve this vision, a day-long workshop titled "Payment Ecosystem in Financial Services: Challenges and Solutions" was held on Thursday at the a2i Conference Room of the ICT Division. Organised by Aspire to Innovate (a2i), the workshop brought together stakeholders and service providers involved in ‘EkPay.’ In his keynote speech, ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury stressed the need for innovation and technological integration in the electronic payment systems to make them more accessible and inclusive. He said the ICT Division, in coordination with the Central Bank, is working to develop ‘EkPay’ as a national payment aggregator. Independent audit clears Nagad of allegations “The distrust of many people regarding ‘EkPay’ has already been removed. EkPay will be the most trusted payment aggregator in the country,” said the secretary. Speaking at the function, Policy Adviser of the ICT Division Foyez Ahmed Tayeb emphasized the need for interoperability in the mobile financial services sector. "Our goal is to build an ecosystem where interoperability is ensured. A reliable payment aggregator like EkPay is crucial for public institutions. In the long term, the ICT Division envisions EkPay as a platform connecting government institutions, utility providers, educational institutions, banks, mobile financial services (MFS), and fintech platforms,” he said. Project Director of a2i Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, who presided over the workshop, said EkPay simplifies the payment processes for various service fees and bills. "We want to assure that there is no room for mistrust in EkPay," he said.

BNP has lodged two complaints with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) alleging killings of its 2276 leaders and activists in ‘crossfires’ and making 153 others disappeared across the country from 2008 to August 5, 2024.Md Salauddin Khan, coordinator of the BNP’s case data information cell of the party, lodged the complaints against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and different law enforcement agencies at the prosecution wing of the tribunal on Thursday.Advocate Nurul Islam, another member of the cell, was present there.According to the complaints, the BNP leaders and activists were killed in crossfires during the tenure of the Awami League government in a bid to annihilate BNP. ICT issues arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina, 10 others“We have submitted the lists of killings in crossfires in district and upazila levels,” he said.One fifty three people including former BNP leaders Ilias Ali and Chowdhury Alam were victims of enforced disappearances. ICT seeks list of Khulna magistrates during July-August protestsFormer Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was made the main accused in the case and some members of law enforcement agencies were also named in he complaint.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday issued warrants for the arrest of 11 people including former Prime Minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina in connection with enforced disappearance during the Awami League tenure. The three-member tribunal led by its chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder passed the order following a petition, said chief prosecutor of the tribunal Md Tajul Islam. Tajul said a petition was filed with the ICT seeking issuance of  warrants for the arrest of 11 people including Hasina, PM's Security Adviser Major General (retired) Tariq Ahmed Siddique and former IGP Benazir Ahmed in connection with their alleged involvement in enforced disappearances. 3 to die for killing EUB student Jisan The court also asked to produce them before it on February 12. Besides, the court also asked police to produce former army official Ziaul Ahsan, who is in jail now in another case, before the court on that day. The names of others could not be revealed for the sake of the investigation, said Tajul Islam. So far, two cases have been filed against Sheikh Hasina with the ICT. ACC files 3 cases against ex-PSC driver, family over graft Meanwhile, three cases were filed with ICT in connection with enforced disappearances during the tenure of the AL government. Tribunal prosecutors Gazi Monawar Hossain, BM Sultan Mahmud and Abdullah Al Noman were present during the hearing. Besides, Sanjida Islam Tulee, one of the coordinators of Mayer Dak and the family members of the victims were present there.