Dhaka Jan 20 (V7N) — The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has deferred the delivery of its verdict in the crimes against humanity case related to the killing of six people during the unarmed mass uprising at Chankharpul in the capital.

The new verdict date has been fixed for January 26, according to an order passed on Tuesday (January 20) at 11:30 am by a three-member judicial panel of International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by its Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumdar.

The prosecution has sought maximum punishment for the eight police officials accused in the case, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman. In contrast, the defense argued that the accused officers were acting under government instructions and were duty-bound to follow official orders.

Of the eight accused, four senior police officers are currently absconding, while four others have been arrested and are facing trial in custody.

According to the charge sheet, former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman allegedly ordered police to open fire on protesters through a wireless message. The prosecution claims that police personnel at the scene used Chinese rifles to carry out the shooting.

To substantiate the allegations, the prosecution submitted 19 video footages to the tribunal, reportedly containing evidence of both the instructions and the firing. In addition, 26 witnesses—including family members of the deceased, eyewitnesses, and Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan—gave testimony before the court.

The Chankharpul incident, which occurred during the July mass uprising, is being treated as one of the first major cases against law enforcement officials to be tried under the crimes against humanity framework.

END/SMA/AJ