Dhaka, Oct 27 (V7N)- The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday approved a prosecution plea to show 20 former ministers, advisers, secretaries, and security force officials as arrested in cases related to alleged crimes against humanity. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, passed the order following applications submitted by the prosecution.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam explained, "We submitted three applications, two of which were approved, leading to 20 individuals already detained in other cases now being shown as arrested under ICT-related cases." Among those named in one petition are former ministers and high-ranking officials, including Anisul Huq, Faruk Khan, Dr. Dipu Moni, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haque Inu, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Salman F Rahman, Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, Shajahan Khan, Kamal Ahmed Mazumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi, AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, and ex-home secretary Md Jahangir Alam. The tribunal ordered these individuals to be presented on November 18.

In the second petition, the prosecution requested the court to show six former security agency officials as arrested, including ex-Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, dismissed Major General Ziaul Ahsan, former Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abdullahel Kafi, ex-Detective Branch (DB) Inspector Arafat Hossain, Abul Hasan, and Mazharul Islam. The court granted the request and scheduled their appearance on November 20.

The tribunal, tasked with addressing charges of murder, genocide, and other crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the anti-discrimination student movement in July and August, also issued arrest warrants for 17 policemen, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman. To prevent possible escapes, the chief prosecutor withheld some names for security reasons.

Further cases have been filed against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former cabinet members, including Obaidul Quader, and ex-police officials. Prosecutor Tajul Islam stated, "These accused committed inhuman acts by using military-grade weapons, helicopters, and armored vehicles against unarmed civilians, even killing injured individuals and disposing of bodies to eliminate evidence."

The chief prosecutor underscored the need for a careful approach to prevent innocent people from being implicated and ensure accountability for genuine offenders, adding that more petitions will be submitted in phases.

Prosecutors Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim and B.M. Sultan Mahmud were present during the proceedings.

END/MSS/RH