Tribunal Takes Cognizance of Formal Charges Against Nanak, Tapas and 26 Others

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has taken cognizance of formal charges against 28 accused in a case involving crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising in the Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur areas of the capital.

Among the accused are former minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak and former mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation Sheikh Fazle Noor Tapas. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, accepted the charges on Sunday. The other members of the tribunal are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

During the hearing, the prosecution stated that at least nine people, including Farhan Faiyaz, were killed and many others seriously injured during violence in Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur amid the July uprising.

Out of the 28 accused, 24—including Nanak and Tapas—are currently absconding. Four accused, including a leader of the banned organisation Chhatra League, are in custody and were produced before the tribunal.

The formal charge sheet includes three counts against the accused, with a list of 50 witnesses submitted in support of the case. The prosecution had filed the formal charges with the tribunal earlier in the day.