ICT to rule on Menon, Qamrul charges Mar 30

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has set Mar 30 to deliver its order on framing charges against Workers Party chief Rashed Khan Menon and former food minister Qamrul Islam over alleged crimes against humanity during the July Uprising.

The date was fixed on Wednesday by ICT-1, comprising Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam, along with prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim, appeared for the prosecution, while defence counsel Munsurul Hoque Chowdhury represented the two politicians and sought their discharge from the case.

The chief prosecutor had earlier urged the tribunal on Mar 2 to proceed with the trial against the duo, reports bdnews24.com.

Menon and Qamrul face three counts of crimes against humanity in connection with the July Uprising. According to the prosecution, the two leaders were involved in a “continuing conspiracy” that included the use of deadly weapons and the instigation of a curfew against unarmed students and members of the public while holding senior positions in the Awami League-led government and the 14-party alliance.

On Feb 3, the tribunal accepted the charges filed by the prosecution, which include allegations linked to the killing of 23 people during the unrest.

Following the ouster of the Awami League government, Menon was arrested on Aug 22, 2024.

He had earlier served in the Awami League administration as minister for civil aviation and tourism and later as minister of social welfare.

Awami League Presidium member Qamrul Islam was arrested on Nov 18, 2024, in Uttara.