DHAKA: The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has filed formal charges against eight people, including former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. ASM Maksud Kamal and writer and academic Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, over alleged crimes against humanity linked to attacks on students during the 2024 July Uprising.
The formal charges were submitted to the registrar’s office of International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) on Wednesday, September 16. The other accused are Dhaka University Professor AKM Jamal Uddin, retired Appellate Division Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, former Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan, former Dhaka University Chhatra League President Mazharul Kabir Shayan and General Secretary Tanbir Hasan Shaikat.
Manik, Jamal Uddin and Shaikat are currently in custody, while the other five have been reported as absconding. Speaking to journalists after the charges were filed, ICT Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim said the accused face allegations of incitement, conspiracy, attempt and provocation in connection with attacks on protesting students at Dhaka University during the July Uprising.
The prosecutor alleged that Maksud Kamal made provocative statements and was involved in a conspiracy that led to attacks on protesters by Chhatra League, Jubo League activists and police. “We have submitted a formal charge in this regard,” he said.
According to the prosecution, the charges were prepared on the basis of information and documents collected during the investigation. The tribunal will now consider the formal charges and determine the next stage of the legal proceedings.
