The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has ordered the commencement of trial proceedings against former army officer Ziaul Ahsan in a case involving allegations of enforced disappearances and killings of more than a hundred people, constituting crimes against humanity.

The order was passed on Wednesday (14 January) by the tribunal after framing charges against the accused. The tribunal also fixed 8 February as the date to begin recording witness testimonies.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said the prosecution is pursuing those responsible for committing crimes, not targeting any particular force or institution. “We are chasing criminals and criminal acts, not any force,” he said.

He added that the report of the Commission on Enforced Disappearances would be submitted to the tribunal. “We will try to prove the charges against Ziaul Ahsan using all available materials and evidence,” the chief prosecutor stated.

Earlier, on 17 December, the prosecution formally submitted the charge sheet in the case. Following the submission, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam placed the allegations before the tribunal and sought its approval to take cognisance of three charges. The tribunal subsequently accepted the charges and issued necessary orders.

Meanwhile, at International Crimes Tribunal-2, arguments are set to begin today in a separate case involving the killing of seven people, including the burning of six bodies in Ashulia. Testimonies in that case concluded last Sunday.

In addition, the tribunal may also fix a date today for the commencement of arguments in the Abu Sayeed murder case.