Dhaka, Nov 18 (V7N) - The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has directed its investigation agency to finalize and submit reports within one month in two cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others. The allegations pertain to crimes against humanity during the July-August mass uprising.

The directive came from the three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, as confirmed by ICT Chief Prosecutor Advocate Md Tajul Islam.

The tribunal also instructed updates on absconding accused individuals and scheduled a hearing on December 17 to review the progress.

Thirteen accused, including nine former ministers of the ousted Awami League government, were brought before the tribunal earlier in the day. These individuals were already detained on separate charges but were now presented in connection with the cases on alleged crimes against humanity, according to Chief Prosecutor Tajul.

Prominent figures among the accused include former law minister Anisul Huq, ex-civil aviation and tourism minister Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan, Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haq Inu, former state minister for IT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, and former power adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury.

Other notable figures presented included former minister Dr Dipu Moni, Hasina's adviser Salman F Rahman, and former ministers Kamal Ahmed Majumder and Golam Dastagir Gazi. Retired Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik and former home secretary Jahangir Alam were also among the accused.

Due to illness, former agriculture minister Dr Abdur Razzaque could not attend.

The tribunal had earlier mandated the appearance of these 14 individuals on November 18 and issued a similar directive for six others, including former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and former law enforcement officials Ziaul Ahsan, Abdullah Al Kafi, Arafat Hossain, Abul Hasan, and Mazharul Islam, to appear on November 20.

These cases are based on complaints filed with the ICT following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led regime on August 5. Allegations include killings, torture, abductions, and harassment.

The uprising, which started as protests over government jobs, escalated into a mass anti-government movement, resulting in widespread violence. Over 1,000 people reportedly lost their lives, and many were injured during the unrest, culminating in the end of Hasina's 15-year rule.

ICT Prosecutor Tajul has also urged IGP Md Mainul Islam to seek Interpol red notices for bringing back Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives.

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