Shamim Osman faces prosecution over ‘direct participation’ in July Uprising killings

The other suspects in case involving 10 murders include Shamim’s son Ayon Osman and his nephew Azmery Osman

Allegations of direct, armed involvement in one of the deadliest episodes of the July Uprising have been raised against former lawmaker Shamim Osman at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

Prosecutors on Sunday submitted a plea, bringing charges against the former Narayanganj-4 MP and 11 others, accusing them of orchestrating and directly participating in killings aimed at suppressing the student-led mass movement.

A three-member bench of ICT-1, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, heard the plea and fixed Apr 23 for the next hearing after state-appointed defence counsel sought time to file discharge petitions.

Prosecutor Abdus Satter Palwan told the tribunal that Shamim was a central figure behind the violence in Narayanganj.

“He was directly involved in planning and was seen firing weapons at crowds,” the prosecutor said.

To support the case, the prosecution submitted 18 video clips, an audio recording of Shamim, nearly 300 pages of documents and records, and a list of 61 witnesses prepared to testify.

It further alleged that Shamim acted with the “prior approval” of former Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, deploying an armed group that included the other suspects.

While 12 individuals have been named at this stage, prosecutors said some suspects remain undisclosed due to ongoing investigations.

Among those accused are Shamim’s son Ayon Osman and his nephew Azmery Osman.

All 12 suspects are currently absconding, prompting the tribunal to appoint state lawyers to represent them.

The prosecution has outlined three counts of crimes against humanity, linked to the deaths of 10 people in Narayanganj’s Fatullah and Signboard areas on three separate dates.

Six people were killed on Jul 19, 2024, including a 6-year-old child known only as Riya, a student and a garment worker. Four more deaths were reported in incidents on Jul 21 and Aug 5.

Earlier, the tribunal issued arrest warrants and, on Mar 4, ordered public notices directing the suspects to surrender.