Genocide allegations through curfew: Trial of Salman F Rahman and Anisul Haque begins

The International Crimes Tribunal has ordered the formal commencement of the trial of Salman F Rahman, advisor to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and former Law Minister Anisul Haque, on charges of inciting genocide and crimes against humanity by imposing curfew in July-August. The judicial proceedings against these two influential individuals have begun with the framing of formal charges.

On Monday (January 12), a three-member judicial panel led by International Crimes Tribunal-1 Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder gave the order. The other two members of the panel are Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired District and Sessions Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

The case was presented on the tribunal's agenda number 11 today. At the beginning of the hearing, the tribunal dismissed the application filed by their lawyers seeking the exemption of Salman F Rahman and Anisul Haque. Then Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud began reading the charges brought against the accused, through which the trial process officially began.

Salman F Rahman and Anisul Haque were presented to the tribunal in the morning from the prison in a prison van. Earlier, on January 6, senior lawyer Munsurul Haque Chowdhury participated in the hearing on their behalf and claimed the innocence of the accused and requested not to frame charges. At the same time, he also requested to acquit them.

On the other hand, the prosecution strongly demanded to frame charges brought against Salman F Rahman and Anisul Haque. After hearing both sides in detail, the tribunal set January 12 as the date for announcing the order. On the appointed day, the tribunal rejected the acquittal application and ordered the trial to begin.

It is worth noting that earlier, on December 4, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 took cognizance of the case. On the same morning, the prosecution filed a formal charge. The case has created a huge stir in the country's political arena due to serious allegations of violence and genocide committed during the curfew.

With this order, the trial of Salman F. Rahman and Anisul Haque for crimes against humanity officially began, which is being considered an important chapter in the country's judicial history.