Order on Charges Against 12 Army Officers and Sheikh Hasina Expected Today

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 is set to deliver an order today on whether to frame charges against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her former defense advisor, and 11 current and former military officials.

The case involves the alleged enforced disappearance and torture of 26 individuals at a Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) during the previous Awami League administration.

The three-member judicial panel, led by ICT Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumdar, is scheduled to pass the order this Thursday (December 18).

High-Profile Accused

The case names high-ranking figures, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her defense advisor, Major General (Retd.) Tarique Ahmed Siddique. While the tribunal had previously set December 14 for the order, the date was rescheduled to today.

Three accused individuals currently in custody will be presented before the court:

• Major General Sheikh Md. Sarwar Hossain (Former Director, DGFI)
• Brigadier General Md. Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui
• Brigadier General Ahmed Tanvir Mazahar Siddiqui

Fugitive Suspects

Among the 10 fugitives in this case, five are former Directors General (DG) of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI):

• Lieutenant General (Retd.) Mohammad Akbar Hossain
• Major General (Retd.) Saiful Abedin
• Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Saiful Alam
• Lieutenant General (Retd.) Ahmed Tabrez Shams Chowdhury
• Major General (Retd.) Hamidul Huq

Other fugitives include Major General (Retd.) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Major General Mohammad Towhidul Islam, Major General Kabir Ahmed, and Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Makhsurul Huq.

Details of the Allegations

During a hearing on December 7, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam detailed the systematic abduction and torture of dissidents at the JIC between October 22, 2015, and August 5, 2024. The prosecution has formally sought charges against 13 individuals based on five specific counts related to the disappearance of 26 people.

Legal Representation

On November 23, the tribunal appointed state defense counsel for the fugitives. While veteran lawyer ZI Khan Panna was initially appointed to represent Sheikh Hasina, he stepped down on December 3 due to health reasons. Advocate Md. Amir Hossain has since been appointed to lead her defense.

The prosecution filed formal complaints on October 8, after which the tribunal issued arrest warrants. Local newspapers have also published notices summoning the fugitives to appear before the court.