Crimes against humanity: Trial against Hasina starts on Sunday, to be broadcast live

A tribunal will begin hearing testimonies in a crimes against humanity case against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, ex-home minister Asaduzzaman Kamal and former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun in a bid to suppress the July Uprising.

The state will present its opening statement to the three-strong tribunal headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder. The trial will be broadcast live.

Prosecutor Faruk Ahmed said, "The recording of testimonies will begin today against Sheikh Hasina and three other suspects. A witness named Khokon Chandra Barman will testify before the tribunal."

"Before the testimony begins, the prosecution will present its opening statement. The trial will be broadcast live, which has been approved by the permission of the tribunal."

Among the accused, former police chief Mamun has pleaded guilty and petitioned to turn state’s witness. He is the only one of the three suspects who is in jail. The trial is proceeding with the other two suspects as absconding. State-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain will represent Hasina and Asaduzzaman, while lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad will defend Mamun.

On Jul 10, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ordered a crimes against humanity case against the three accused on five charges including incitement, instigation, giving orders to kill 1,400 people to suppress the movement, “superior command responsibility” and “joint criminal enterprise” to suppress the July Uprising to proceed to trial.

The indictment launched the first crimes against humanity case against Hasina. It is being held in the court which her government formed to try 1971 war criminals.

The court fixed Aug 3 for the opening statement from the prosecution and Aug 4 for the first testimony in the case. A total of 81 witnesses in the case, including two advisors to the interim government and an editor of a national daily, will testify against the accused.