“Ashulia body-burning case: Verdict against former MP and 16 others on February 5”

The verdict in a case over the killing of seven people, including the burning of six bodies during the July–August movement in Ashulia, Savar, is scheduled to be delivered on February 5. The case involves charges of crimes against humanity against 16 accused, including former lawmaker Saiful Islam.

The date was set on Sunday (February 1) by a three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-2, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. Earlier, on January 20, the tribunal concluded hearings after both the prosecution and the defense presented their final arguments, and the case was kept under deliberation.

Among the accused currently in custody are former Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) of Dhaka district Abdullahil Kafi; former Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Shahidul Islam; Inspector Arafat Hossain; Sub-Inspectors Malek and Arafat Uddin; Assistant Sub-Inspector Kamrul Hasan; Abzal; and Constable Mukul. Former MP Saiful Islam and seven other accused remain absconding.

On August 21 last year, Tribunal-2 framed formal charges against all 16 accused and ordered the commencement of the trial.

According to the prosecution, six people were killed on August 5 and their bodies were subsequently burned, while one of the victims was reportedly still alive at the time. The accused are also charged with shooting and killing another individual in front of Ashulia Police Station on August 4.

The case has drawn significant attention as one of the most serious allegations of crimes against humanity linked to the July–August movement. The tribunal is expected to announce its verdict on February 5.