Seventeen high-profile figures from the former Awami League government — including prominent ministers, state ministers, advisers and senior bureaucrats — were produced before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday in connection with charges of murder and genocide linked to the July–August 2024 political unrest.

Under heavy security, the accused were brought to the tribunal premises from Keraniganj, Kashimpur and several other prisons around 9:45am. One by one, they were taken from the prison vans and escorted into the tribunal’s holding area.

The hearing on the progress of the cases was scheduled to be held before the judicial panel of Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder.

The Accused Brought to Tribunal

Those produced include:

• Anisul Huq, former Law Minister

• Dr Dipu Moni, former Education Minister

• Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former State Minister for ICT

• Golam Dastagir Gazi, former Textiles and Jute Minister

• Amir Hossain Amu, former Industries Minister

• Kamrul Islam, former Food Minister

• Abdur Razzaque, former Agriculture Minister

• Shajahan Khan, former Shipping Minister

• Rashed Khan Menon, President of Workers Party

• Hasanul Haq Inu, President of JASAD and former Information Minister

• AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik, former Justice

• Jahangir Alam, former Home Secretary

• Former MPs Solaiman Selim and Faruk Khan

• Towfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, former Adviser to the Prime Minister

• Salman F Rahman, former Adviser on Private Industry and Investment

• Kamal Ahmed Majumder, former State Minister

Charges and Case Status

The prosecution has filed separate formal charges against Salman F Rahman, Anisul Huq, Hasanul Haq Inu and Zunaid Ahmed Palak. Witness testimonies in Inu’s case are already underway.

Additionally, Tribunal-1 has accepted charges against Sajeeb Wazed Joy — son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina — and Zunaid Ahmed Palak over allegations of shutting down internet services during the July uprising, which prosecutors say contributed to mass killings. An arrest warrant has been issued for Joy.

According to prosecution documents, Anisul Huq and Salman F Rahman also face charges of allegedly imposing curfew and enabling the killing of students and civilians during the unrest.

On 15 October, Tribunal-1 instructed investigators to submit the probe report by today in another case involving former Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader and 45 others. Although prosecutors had previously sought more time — including a three-month extension request on 20 July — the tribunal granted additional time due to the delayed submission.

Security Tightened Around Tribunal

Security was intensified in and around the tribunal area from early morning. Members of law enforcement agencies conducted thorough checks on individuals entering the premises, and access was tightly controlled.

Earlier Appearances

This is not the first time the accused have been produced before the tribunal.

• On 20 April, nineteen ministers, state ministers and advisers appeared before the tribunal; prosecutors then sought an additional three months to complete investigations.

• On 18 February, twelve ministers, state ministers and two advisers to the former Prime Minister were brought in connection with related cases.

The prosecution has indicated that separate charges will be filed in phases against the former heavyweight ministers, state ministers and MPs as investigations progress.