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A notice has been published in two newspapers asking former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to appear before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) on June 24 of this year.
If they fail to do so, the ICT-1 will proceed with the case in their absence, according to a notice issued by ASM Ruhul Imran, registrar of the ICT.
The Registrar's Office of the ICT-1 in Dhaka published the notice on Tuesday since the ICT-1 has taken cognizance of the formal charges against the former premier and her cabinet member in a case filed in connection with crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 uprising, and since they are absconding or in hiding despite the issuance of an arrest warrant in the case.
The two accused have been summoned to appear before the tribunal on June 24.
ICT Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim said police headquarters had submitted a report to the tribunal confirming that the accused are hiding abroad.
In accordance with tribunal procedures, the court ordered the publication of summons notices in national newspapers, which were issued on Tuesday, he added.
According to tribunal law, public notices are ordered to be published in two national newspapers, one English and one Bangla, to summon the accused.
"If the accused do not appear by the specified date, the trial will proceed with state-appointed defence counsel," said the prosecutor.
The ICT-1 in Dhaka on Monday ordered to publish a notice in two newspapers calling for the appearance of Hasina and Kamal.
A three-member bench of the ICT-1 headed by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder passed the order on Monday after hearing a petition filed by the Chief Prosecutor.
Hasina regime came to an end on August 5 last year on the face of a mass uprising led by students and people. Later on August 14, a complaint was submitted with the ICT against this former Prime Minister on charge of committing crimes against humanity.
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