July Genocide: 39 Including Former Ministers and Bureaucrats Produced Before Tribunal

In connection with the July–August genocide, 39 individuals—including nine former ministers from the ousted Awami League government—were presented before the International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday morning under strict security measures.

These individuals are being tried in seven separate cases related to crimes against humanity. Among those brought before the tribunal are former cabinet members of the fugitive ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, including former Law Minister Anisul Huq, Dipu Moni, Amir Hossain Amu, former Adviser for Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman, and former State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The list of accused also includes former senior bureaucrats and police officials.

The cases will be heard in Tribunal-1, presided over by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, Chairman of the International Crimes Tribunal.

Previously, on February 18, the tribunal had ordered the completion of investigations against a total of 45 individuals, including the 39 now in custody.

Other prominent figures named as accused include Faruk Khan, Abdur Razzak, Shajahan Khan, Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi, Kamrul Islam, former adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, JSD President Hasanul Haq Inu, former Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, and former Home Secretary Jahangir Alam.

On December 17 of last year, the tribunal directed that investigations into genocide allegations against Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader, and 46 others be completed within two months.

The tribunal is currently conducting trial proceedings against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other top figures, accusing them of orchestrating and commanding the killing of unarmed students and civilians during the anti-discrimination student movement. The Awami League government is alleged to have launched a brutal crackdown to suppress the movement, resulting in widespread casualties.

The 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina's government ended on August 5, amid massive student and civilian protests. Following her ouster, a caretaker government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed control and initiated legal proceedings to prosecute those responsible for the July–August atrocities.