Rajshahi, Sept 28 (V7N) – The trial of Rajshahi Metropolitan Awami League General Secretary Dablu Sarker and Jubo League activist Zahirul Islam Rubel has begun at the International Crimes Tribunal over the killings of two students during the July Uprising in Rajshahi last year. The accused were produced before the tribunal on September 23 following their transfer from different prisons.

Prison authorities confirmed that after their arrest, Dablu Sarker was shifted from Rajshahi Central Jail to Bogura Jail, while Rubel was transferred from Keraniganj Jail to Rajshahi Central Jail. Both were later sent to Dhaka on September 22.

The two murder cases, involving the deaths of Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders Ali Raihan and Sakib Anjum during the July movement, were transferred to the International Crimes Tribunal last year. On September 2, Inspector Ibrahim Khalil of the Rajshahi Metropolitan Detective Branch submitted formal charge sheets in the cases.

A total of 244 individuals were indicted, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Rajshahi City Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, Dablu Sarker, Rubel, and several other local Awami League and Jubo League leaders.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Gaziur Rahman stated that charge sheets in nine cases related to attacks on anti-discrimination student protesters and citizens have already been filed in court, including those concerning the killings of Ali Raihan and Sakib Anjum.

In the Ali Raihan murder case, 127 people were charged, while 117 were indicted in the Sakib Anjum case. Among the accused are Dablu Sarker and Rubel. Currently, 32 individuals identified during investigation and 28 named in the original complaint remain in custody.

Recently, the tribunal ordered five accused, including Dablu Sarker, Rubel, and Bappi Chowdhury Roni, to appear in court. However, Roni, who was released on bail, has absconded. Former Mayor Liton has been on the run since August 5, while Bappi Roni also went into hiding after securing bail. As a result, only Dablu Sarker and Rubel could be presented in court.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Ali Ashraf Masum confirmed that the tribunal specifically ordered the production of former mayor Khairuzzaman Liton, Dablu Sarker, Rubel, and Bappi Roni. Of them, only Dablu and Rubel were brought before the court due to arrests.

International Crimes Tribunal Prosecutor Mizanul Islam stated that on September 23, Dablu Sarker and Rubel were formally charged and presented before the court. Following the hearing, they were remanded to prison, with the next hearing date scheduled for further proceedings.

END/MRA/SMA/