Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the daily Amar Desh, has testified before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 as a prosecution witness in a case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and one other accused on charges of crimes against humanity.

The testimony was recorded on Monday (Sept 15) at 11:20 am before a three-member judicial panel headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder. Rahman arrived at the tribunal shortly before the session began.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam is also scheduled to testify in the same case, though prosecutors said his testimony will be heard on Tuesday (Sept 16).

So far, 45 witnesses have given testimony in the trial. On September 9, six witnesses were heard on the 14th day of proceedings, while three testified on September 8. 

Among the key witnesses, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun turned approver on September 2, admitting that massacres were carried out across the country during July and August last year on the orders of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. His cross-examination concluded on September 4.

Witness testimonies have recounted harrowing details of killings during last year’s political unrest, with families of victims and eyewitnesses demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The tribunal formally indicted Sheikh Hasina, Kamal, and Mamun on July 10 on five charges of crimes against humanity, paving the way for the trial to begin. 

The 8,747-page charge sheet includes lists of victims, sources, and documentary evidence, with a total of 81 witnesses named. The tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its report to the chief prosecutor on May 12.

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