Trial of Menon and Qamrul begins at ICT

The trial of former ministers Rashed Khan Menon and Qamrul Islam began at International Crimes Tribunal-1 yesterday in a crimes against humanity case over the killing of 23 people in Badda and neighbouring areas during the July uprising in 2024.

The trial began with the testimony of the first prosecution witness in the case, while Menon, president of the Workers’ Party of Bangladesh and former civil aviation minister, and Qamrul, an Awami League leader and former food minister, were present in the dock.

The witness, university student Sakib Ahmed, told the tribunal that he joined a protest in front of BRAC University in Badda on July 18, 2024, when police fired shotguns and tear gas at the protesters. Later, he learned through media reports that a student had been killed and many others were injured by pellets there.

The following day, Sakib said, he again joined the protest with two others including one Maruf, and saw police and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel firing at protesters heading towards Rampura Bridge. Maruf was shot in the abdomen, Sakib said, adding that he also saw five bullet-riddled bodies on the bridge.

Sakib also said he and others rushed critically injured Maruf to a local hospital before doctors referred him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Police and BGB personnel stopped their ambulance near Rampura Bridge for about half an hour.

“Maruf’s condition deteriorated during the delay, and he later died near Shantinagar on the way to DMCH,” Sakib told ICT-1.

He also said he saw numerous bullet-hit bodies lying on the floor of DMCH, and alleged that hospital authorities refused to release Maruf’s body, citing instructions from higher authorities.

The first charge in the case concerns killings across the country during the uprising following a meeting at Gono Bhaban. The second alleges that the decision to use lethal force led to 23 deaths in Badda and nearby areas on July 20.

The tribunal adjourned proceedings until June 29.