Charges against Hanif, four others for killing six people in Kushtia

The International Crimes Tribunal has framed charges against Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif and four others in a case of crimes against humanity in the killing of six people in Kushtia in July-August. The three-member International Crimes Tribunal-2 led by Chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury issued this order today, Monday (October 27).
On October 14, the International Crimes Tribunal ordered the publication of notices in newspapers to summon Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif and four others in a case of crimes against humanity in the killing of six people in Kushtia in July-August during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The three-member International Crimes Tribunal-2 led by Chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury issued this order after hearing the state’s application. Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim heard the case on behalf of the state. Prosecutor Abdus Sattar Palawan, Moinul Karim and others were present.
That day, Hanif and four others were ordered to appear before the tribunal. However, since they did not appear, the tribunal issued newspaper notices for their arrest. This notice was given in two national dailies. The other three accused in the case are Kushtia District Awami League President Sadar Uddin Khan, District General Secretary Azgar Ali and City Awami League General Secretary Ataur Rahman Ata. However, all four are absconding.
On October 6, Tribunal-2 took cognizance of the formal charges brought against Hanif and four others. At the same time, they were ordered to appear today and arrest warrants were issued. On October 5, the prosecution filed a formal charge against them. It brought three specific charges. These include provocative statements, conspiracy and killing six people in Kushtia. Later, the tribunal took cognizance of their charges in light of the prosecution’s application.
Six people were killed in Kushtia during the July-August movement. Several others were injured at the same time. In light of this, two separate cases were filed against five people, including Hasanul Haque Inu and Mahbubul Alam Hanif, at the International Crimes Tribunal. Later, the investigation agency submitted its investigation report.