ICT sets Apr 19 to hear charges against Shamim Osman, 11 others

The other suspects include the former MP’s son and nephew

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has scheduled Apr 19 for the charge-framing hearing of former lawmaker Shamim Osman and 11 others for alleged crimes against humanity during the July-August 2024 mass uprising.

A two-member bench, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder and including Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, passed the order on Sunday.

The tribunal’s decision followed a petition by the prosecution seeking time to appoint state defence counsel, as all the suspects in the case remain fugitives.

"Since all the suspects are absconding, we requested time to complete the formalities, including the appointment of state-appointed lawyers and the hearing on formal charges," said prosecutor Abdus Satter Palwan.

On Mar 4, the tribunal ordered publication of notices in Bengali and English dailies, directing the 12 suspects to appear before the court.

This followed the Jan 19 issuance of arrest warrants after the tribunal took into account the formal complaints filed by the prosecution.

According to the case documents, former Narayanganj-4 MP Shamim is the primary suspect.

The list also includes his son, Imtinan Osman Ayon, and nephew, Ajmeri Osman.

The prosecution has withheld the names of the remaining nine suspects for the sake of the ongoing investigation.

The charges involve the killing of 10 people in Fatullah and Signboard of Narayanganj on Jul 19, 21, and Aug 5, 2024.

The prosecution alleges that the suspects were armed and involved in crimes against humanity during the student-led demonstrations.