10 army officers have been produced before the International Crimes Tribunal in a case of crimes against humanity, alleging disappearances and torture by Sheikh Hasina’s TFI cell. A total of 17 people, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have been named as accused in the case.
They were brought to the tribunal in an air-conditioned prison van from the special prison in Dhaka Cantonment at 10:23 am on Wednesday.
The 10 officers present include former Additional Director General of RAB Brigadier General Md. Jahangir Alam, Brigadier General Tofail Mostafa Sarwar, Brigadier General Md. Kamrul Hasan, Brigadier General Md. Mahabub Alam and six other colonel-lieutenant colonel rank officers.
The fugitive accused include former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her former defense advisor Major General (retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddique, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former top RAB-police officials.
Today, Tribunal-1 has begun the formal charge-making hearing. After the prosecution’s arguments, the defense lawyers will present their arguments; state-appointed lawyers will present arguments for the fugitives.
A tight security cordon of army, police, RAB and BGB was seen surrounding the High Court area and the tribunal premises. Intelligence members in plain clothes have also taken up positions.
Despite a request for a virtual appearance on the previously scheduled date, the tribunal ordered a physical appearance—noting in its comments that “the law is equal for all.”
A notice was issued to produce the absconding accused in the case. When they failed to appear, the court appointed a state lawyer.
The prosecution filed a formal complaint on October 8; the court took note and issued an arrest warrant.