Inu Awaits Verdict in Crimes Against Humanity Case

The International Crimes Tribunal is set to deliver its verdict on Tuesday in the crimes against humanity case filed against Hasanul Haq Inu, president of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), over his alleged role during the July mass uprising. Ahead of the ruling, Inu was brought from prison to the tribunal under security arrangements.

Inu is the sole accused in the case and faces eight charges. Among the most serious allegations is that he ordered the killing of six protesters in Kushtia and incited violent attacks on demonstrators during the nationwide movement.

The verdict will be delivered by International Crimes Tribunal-2, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The tribunal’s other members are Justice Md Manjurul Bashid and Justice Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. Bangladesh Television (BTV) is scheduled to broadcast the proceedings live.

This ruling will mark the sixth verdict delivered by the International Crimes Tribunal in connection with crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July mass uprising, a series of cases that have examined allegations of unlawful killings, violence and other serious offences linked to the political unrest.

According to the prosecution, the investigation into Inu’s alleged involvement began on 25 March 2025. Investigators submitted their report on 11 September of the same year, followed by the formal filing of charges on 25 September. After hearing submissions from both sides, the tribunal framed charges on 2 November.

The trial formally commenced on 30 November with the opening statements. Testimony began the following day, 1 December. The prosecution presented ten witnesses in support of its case, while the defence called two witnesses. Following the conclusion of witness testimony, final arguments began on 13 April this year and concluded on 13 May. The case had remained pending for judgment until the tribunal fixed 22 June as the date for delivering its verdict.

The indictment centres on eight allegations concerning Inu’s alleged actions during the July uprising.

The first charge claims that, during an interview with an Indian media outlet on 18 July 2024, Inu described the protesters as members of Jamaat, terrorists and communal forces. Prosecutors allege that he encouraged the use of force against demonstrators, incited violence and gave instructions that contributed to killings.

The second charge relates to a meeting of the 14-party alliance held at Ganabhaban on 19 July 2024 under the leadership of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Prosecutors allege that a “shoot-at-sight” policy to suppress the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement was endorsed during the meeting and that Inu actively participated in approving, encouraging and facilitating its implementation.

The third allegation accuses him of instructing the Superintendent of Police in Kushtia by telephone to identify protesters from photographs, prepare lists of activists and arrange for their arrest and alleged torture.

Under the fourth charge, prosecutors claim that he supported the use of lethal weapons against demonstrators and was involved in planning attacks using helicopters after deploying armed auxiliary forces.

The fifth allegation states that Inu made inflammatory public statements through the media and publicly justified or supported the government’s alleged campaign of killings and repression during the unrest.

The sixth charge accuses him of participating in the decision taken at the 14-party alliance meeting to ban Jamaat-e-Islami.

The seventh allegation claims that he remained involved in the alleged conspiracy through telephone conversations with Sheikh Hasina during the period in question.

The eighth and most serious charge alleges that on 5 August 2024 he ordered the killings of six protesters in Kushtia—Yusuf Sheikh, Usama, Suruj Ali Babu, Ashraful Islam, Babul Farazi and Abdullah Al Mustakin. Prosecutors also allege that he was involved in directing actions that resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths and injuries to more than 25,000 students and civilians across the country during the nationwide crackdown.

The tribunal’s verdict is expected to determine whether the prosecution has proved these allegations beyond reasonable doubt. The judgment is also seen as another significant milestone in the ongoing judicial proceedings concerning alleged crimes committed during the July mass uprising.