Tribunal Takes Cognizance of Charges Against Liton and 37 Others in Rajshahi

International Crimes Tribunal-2 has officially taken cognizance of formal charges against 38 accused individuals in a case concerning crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The judicial proceedings mark a significant development in addressing the atrocities linked to the historic mass movement that unfolded in the region.

Among the named defendants is former Rajshahi City Corporation mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, who is identified alongside Rajshahi Metropolitan Awami League figures and various law enforcement and political affiliates. The broader roster of accused individuals spans numerous prominent local figures, including Asaduzzaman Asad, Dablu Sarkar, Biplob Bijoy Talukdar, Humayun Kabir, Faruk Ahammd, Raihan Ali, and Anjum Sakib.

Out of the total 38 defendants facing formal charges, a significant majority remain at large. Judicial authorities confirmed that 34 of the accused individuals are currently fugitive and absconding from justice. Consequently, International Crimes Tribunal-2 has issued formal arrest warrants for these 34 missing suspects to ensure they are apprehended and brought before the court.

In contrast, four of the accused individuals have already been taken into custody and are currently detained. The tribunal has issued a specific directive ordering that these four detained suspects be physically produced before Tribunal-2 on the 23rd of August for the continuation of legal proceedings.

Detailing the background of the judicial action, Faruk Ahammd stated that during the July mass uprising in Rajshahi, two demonstrators named Raihan Ali and Anjum Sakib were killed, while numerous other protesters sustained severe injuries. These grave incidents formed the factual basis upon which the formal human rights and crimes against humanity case was formally filed.