Hasina indicted in ‘crimes against humanity’; ex-IG becomes a state witness

Report by Ahsan Tasnim

DHAKA:Former PM Sheikh Hasina was indicted in cases of “crimes against humanity” in absentia by Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Thursday with one of the co-accused, a former IG of police, turning state witness to the alleged atrocities perpetrated by her govt during the last year protests that led to her ouster.

The ICT has “framed the charges”, including of mass killings, murder and torture, against Hasina — who fled to India — alongside “fugitive” former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-IG Chowdhury Abdullah al Mamun, who is in custody, according to the prosecution.

The justice Md Golam Mortaza-led three-member ICT bench approved Mamun’s request to become an approver. Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam told reporters that after the ICT read the charges to Mamunhe was accused of, he pleaded guilty, expressed his willingness to assist it in “uncovering the full extent of the crimes”, and voluntarily agreed to become an approver. Mamun is expected to have detailed knowledge of the “crimes against humanity” and those involved, Tajul said.