A crucial hearing is set to take place today, Monday (April 6), in the war‑crimes case filed over the 2016 Kalyanpur “Jahajbari” incident, where nine young men were killed during what prosecutors describe as a staged counterterrorism operation. The International Crimes Tribunal‑1, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder and members Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmood and Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, will hear arguments on whether charges should be formally framed against eight accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
On March 8, Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim requested the appointment of state defence lawyers for six fugitive accused and sought additional time to prepare. Today’s hearing follows that petition.
Two former top police officials ex‑IGP AKM Shahidul Hoque and former DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia are currently in custody.
The fugitives include Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former DMP Additional Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Maruf Hasan, former CTTC chief Monirul Islam, former Joint Commissioner (Crime) Krishna Pada Roy, and former Joint Commissioner (DB) Abdul Baten.
On February 22, the tribunal ordered notices in two national newspapers instructing them to appear.
The tribunal took the prosecution’s formal charges into cognizance on January 29 and issued arrest warrants for all eight accused.
According to the prosecution, on the night of July 25, 2016, police’s Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit launched “Operation Storm‑26” at the Kalyanpur Jahajbari building, described at the time as a militant hideout. Nine young men were shot dead during the raid. Prosecutors now allege the operation was staged and constitutes crimes against humanity, prompting the case before the tribunal.
The hearing today will determine whether the tribunal proceeds to formally frame charges, marking a significant step in one of the most closely watched cases in recent years.
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