84 Accused Behind Bars in 30 Miscellaneous Cases Related to July Uprising Crimes

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has confirmed that 84 individuals, out of 209 accused in 30 miscellaneous cases concerning crimes against humanity linked to the July Uprising, are currently in custody.

Case Overview and Current Status

Gazi MH Tamim, the ICT prosecutor, informed BSS that approximately 450 complaints related to these cases have been received so far.

Among those imprisoned are prominent figures from the ousted Awami League government, including former ministers Anisul Haq, Amir Hossain Amu, Md. Abdur Razzaque, Qamrul Islam, Muhammad Faruk Khan, Dr Dipu Moni, and Golam Dastagir Gazi.

Notable Figures in Custody

Other high-profile detainees include:

Ongoing Trials and Testimonies

The ICT has commenced hearing testimonies in a high-profile case alleging crimes against humanity involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. While Abdullah Al Mamun has been arrested, Hasina and Kamal remain at large.

Five witnesses have already provided testimony in this case, with the next hearing scheduled for 17 August.

Other Cases Under Consideration

Several other significant cases are currently under trial, including:

Tribunal Restructuring and Legal Amendments

Following the mass uprising on 5 August 2024 and the fall of the Awami League government, the ICT was restructured to handle the complex nature of these cases. The first “miscellaneous case” was filed against Sheikh Hasina in this reconstituted tribunal. Two further cases involving enforced disappearances, murders, and the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Square in 2013 are ongoing.

The International Crimes (Tribunal) Act 1973 was amended twice in February and May 2025 through ordinances to align the tribunal with contemporary international standards. A second tribunal was created in May 2025 to expedite proceedings. The tribunal building has also been renovated in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.

Chief Prosecutor’s Remarks

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam highlighted the challenges of prosecuting high-profile cases, saying:

“The prosecution must balance the expectations of justice seekers, the law, international standards, the rights of the accused, and proper investigative procedures. We are determined to ensure that no one can question the fairness of this trial. For the first time, proceedings are being broadcast live on television.”

He further stressed the gravity of the crimes:

“This is not an ordinary murder case. We are dealing with the deaths of 1,500 individuals—many without post-mortem reports. The investigation is complex, but undeniable evidence has surfaced, and international media have exposed the crimes.”

Former IGP Declared ‘State Approver’ in Case Against Sheikh Hasina

Following the formal filing of charges against Sheikh Hasina, testimony has begun in the case. Former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun, one of the accused, admitted his involvement in crimes against humanity and submitted a statement to the tribunal.

On 10 July, he applied to become an ‘approver’—an accused who confesses guilt and reveals the truth of the incident, often serving as a royal witness.

Subsequent to his statement, the tribunal ordered the formal charge sheet to be filed and approved his application as an approver.