Tribunal sets today for order on charges against four over Rampura killings

Bangla Press Desk:  The International Crimes Tribunal-1 will deliver its order on Wednesday on whether to frame formal charges against four men, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officer Lt Col Redowanul Islam, in a crimes against humanity case over the killing of 28 people during the July mass uprising in Dhaka’s Rampura area.

A three-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder will pass the order on Wednesday. The other members of the panel are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired district and sessions judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

The prosecution has sought to begin trial proceedings by framing charges against all four accused. Lawyers for both the arrested and absconding accused have filed discharge petitions, arguing that the defendants should be cleared of the charges.

On 21 December, state-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain argued on behalf of the two absconding accused, while advocate Hamidul Misbah represented the two accused who remain in custody. The tribunal set 24 December for the order after hearing all sides.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam appeared for the prosecution, along with prosecutors Moinul Karim and Shaikh Mahdi.

Besides Redowanul, another arrested accused, Major Md Rafat bin Alam, also served in the BGB. Former Khilgaon zone additional deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Md Rashedul Islam and former Rampura police station officer-in-charge Md Mashiur Rahman remain absconding.

The tribunal had earlier scheduled the hearing for 14 December but postponed it for special reasons. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam concluded arguments on the formal charges on 6 December. On 22 October, the tribunal produced Redowanul and Rafat, who were then in army custody, before the court and sent them to jail after showing them arrested in the case. The tribunal also ordered newspaper notices to secure the appearance of the absconding accused.

During the July–August student-led mass movement, violence erupted across the country, leaving many dead and injured. In Rampura alone, 28 people died and several others sustained injuries. Investigators said witnesses saw Redowanul open fire directly on protesters, while the other accused played leadership roles in the killings.

Based on the investigation agency’s findings, the prosecution filed separate formal charges against the four accused before the tribunal.

BP/SP