DHAKA, Aug 21, 2025 (BSS) - The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) today framed charges in a crimes against humanity case over the killing and burning of six youths in Ashulia during the July-August Mass Uprising.
The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, passed the order and set September 14 for placing opening statements in the case.
Earlier on August 13, the second tribunal had fixed August 21 (today) as the both prosecution and defence concluded their arguments on that day.
Of the 16 accused, eight have already been arrested and seven of them pleaded not guilty today and demanded justice. Another accused sub-inspector Sheikh Abzalul Haque, however, pleaded guilty and begged to become an approver. 
The seven accused, who have pleaded not guilty, are- former additional superintendent of police (crimes and ops) Md Abdullahil Kafi, former ASP (Savar circle) Md Shahidul Islam, former DB inspector Md Arafat Hossain, ex-sub inspectors Abdul Malek and Arafat Uddin, former assistant sub-inspector Kamrul Hasan, and former constable Mukul Chokder.
Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam and prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim took part in the hearing on charge framing. State appointed defence counsels Advocate Amir Hossain and Patwari M Mahadi Hasan took part in the hearing for the accused.
"A total of 29 people were killed during the uprising in Savar. One was killed on August 4 and six the next day. By killing the innocents, the accused committed one offence; by burning their bodies on August 5, they committed another," the prosecution said.
On July 16, the tribunal ordered publishing public notices in two national dailies, summoning eight fugitive accused to surrender. If they fail, the trial will proceed in absentia.
Earlier, on July 2, ICT-2 took cognizance of the formal charge, which accuses the defendants of shooting six youths on August 5, 2024 - killing five instantly and burning their bodies along with another injured youth, allegedly to destroy evidence. Arrest warrants were issued that day against eight fugitive suspects, including former lawmaker Muhammad Saiful Islam and former deputy inspector general of police Nurul Islam.
The ICT investigation agency submitted its probe report on June 19. According to the prosecution, police placed the victims' bodies in a van and set it ablaze, making it appear as if protesters had torched it. One victim was reportedly still alive when the fire was set.