The first formal indictment hearing related to the July mass uprising has been scheduled for June 29.
The hearing concerns a case involving crimes against humanity allegedly committed in the Chankharpul area of Dhaka during the uprising.
The International Crimes Tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumder along with members Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, issued the order on Sunday.
A total of eight individuals have been accused in this case. Four of the accused are currently in custody: former Shahbagh police inspector Md. Arshad Hossain, constable Md. Sujon Hossain, Imaz Hossain, and Md. Nasirul Islam. All four were present in the tribunal today and are represented by legal counsel.
The remaining four accused are fugitives: former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman, former Joint Commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former Additional Deputy Commissioner of Ramna Region Shah Alam Md. Akhtarul Islam, and former Assistant Commissioner of Ramna Region Mohammad Imrul.
Earlier, on June 3, the tribunal had ordered public notices to be issued in newspapers summoning the four fugitives to appear before the tribunal.
These notices were subsequently published in two national newspapers, but the accused did not appear as required.
The tribunal announced today that state-appointed defense lawyers will be assigned to represent the fugitive accused.
The case from the Chankharpul incident is the first uprising-related case to reach the stage of formal indictment since the mass movement began.
The initial charges in this case were officially submitted on May 25. The next hearing on the formation of charges is now set for June 29.
