The verdict in the high-profile case concerning the burning of six bodies and the shooting of one individual during the mass uprisings of July–August 2013 in Ashulia is scheduled for Thursday, 5 February. The case, which falls under charges of crimes against humanity, has been tried at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-2).

The three-member judicial panel, headed by Chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, will deliver the verdict. The other members of the tribunal are Justice Md. Manjurul Bashid and Justice Noor Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. This marks the third verdict handed down in cases of crimes against humanity during the tenure of the Awami League government.

The tribunal had earlier set 5 February as the date for verdict announcement, following procedural developments over the past weeks. After the prosecution and defence presented their final arguments, the case was kept pending for judgment (CAV) on 20 January. Prior to that, on 14–15 January, Prosecutor Md. Mizanul Islam and Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam presented arguments on behalf of the state. The defence, led by lawyers Syed Mizanur Rahman and S.M. Mirajul Alam Azman, subsequently submitted counter-arguments.

The case has involved the arrest of several high-ranking police officials, including:

The formal charges against the accused were framed on 21 August last year, marking the official commencement of the trial. At the initial hearing, seven of the eight accused present pleaded not guilty. Notably, Sub-Inspector Sheikh Abzalul Haque admitted his involvement and subsequently testified as a prosecution witness in court.

The Ashulia case remains one of the most closely monitored proceedings under the International Crimes Tribunal, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to address historical human rights violations. The outcome is expected to have far-reaching legal and social implications, as it involves both former law enforcement officials and political figures.