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.

DHAKA – The US Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday observed US Constitution Day at Dhaka University, highlighting constitutional principles, democratic values and the traditions that have shaped the American constitutional system for more than two centuries.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen joined Law Minister Mohammad Asaduzzaman, Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Abdus Salam, constitutional experts, academics and students at the programme held at the university’s Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building.

In his remarks, Christensen highlighted the role of continuous debate and the pursuit of consensus in contributing to the resilience of the US Constitution. He also pointed to the Constitution’s emphasis on separation of powers, judicial independence and the ability to adopt amendments. The ambassador said these features have allowed the US constitutional system to evolve over time and have contributed to its influence on democratic systems around the world.

Dhaka University said the programme also featured discussions on constitutional governance, separation of powers, judicial independence, constitutional rights and comparative aspects of the constitutional experiences of Bangladesh and the United States.

Law Minister Asaduzzaman highlighted the historical significance of the US Constitution and its role in institutionalising principles related to democracy, freedom and the rule of law. He also noted the value of comparative academic discussions on issues such as judicial review, fundamental rights and constitutional limitations on state power. The Constitution Day programme included a public ceremony, panel discussion, essay competition, quiz contest and an exhibition titled “American Founders Museum.”

The event was organised as part of activities marking 250 years of American democracy. Constitution Day is observed annually in the United States on September 17, commemorating the signing of the US Constitution in 1787.