Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has formally opened the trial of four accused, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers Lt. Col. Redwanul Islam and Major Md. Rafat Bin Alam, in connection with the killing of 28 people during the July uprising in Dhaka’s Rampura area. The tribunal, led by Chairman Golam Mortuza Majumder, rejected the defendants’ petitions for discharge and set January 20 for opening statements.

The two detained officers were brought to court from prison, where the charges were read out by Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud. Both pleaded not guilty and sought justice. The other two accused—former DMP ADC Md. Rashedul Islam and former Rampura Police OC Md. Moshior Rahman—remain fugitives. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam had earlier completed the hearing on charge framing on December 6.

The tribunal’s decision marks a significant step in addressing alleged crimes committed during the July uprising. The upcoming proceedings are expected to examine evidence and witness testimonies to determine accountability for the Rampura killings.