The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants for 15 individuals in connection with the murder of Wasim Akram, the second martyr of the July-August movement in Chattogram.
On Tuesday (March 25), a three-member tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar issued the order.
Among those named in the warrants are former minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury and former Chattogram mayor AJM Nasir.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam submitted the petition requesting the arrest warrants.
Wasim Akram, a student of the Sociology Department at Chattogram College and the Joint Convenor of the college's Chhatra Dal unit, was fatally shot on July 16 during a clash between protesters and members of Chhatra League in the Muradpur area.
Wasim, the son of Saudi expatriate Shafiul Alam, hailed from Ward No. 9 in Sadar Union, Pekua Upazila, Cox's Bazar. He had two brothers and three sisters. His mother, Josna Akter, filed a case regarding his murder at Panchlaish Police Station on August 18.
According to the case statement, Wasim was in front of Barcode Restaurant in Muradpur between 3:00 and 4:00 PM on July 16 while a student-led protest against discrimination was ongoing. During the demonstration, armed cadres from the Awami League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League, and Chhatra League carried out widespread violence, allegedly under the direct and indirect instigation of the accused.
During the attack, which involved explosives, sticks, hockey sticks, machetes, and firearms, Wasim was shot multiple times in the chest and abdomen. He collapsed on the spot. Despite being rushed to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.
