Former minister Kamrul Islam appeared at the tribunal two hours late on Thursday after initially refusing to attend a hearing in a war crimes case linked to the July uprising. He was brought from PG Hospital under prosecution orders after declining to leave due to illness. The incident occurred on the day the tribunal was scheduled to announce its decision on framing charges against Kamrul Islam and Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon.

According to the source, Kamrul, an Awami League presidium member, had been receiving treatment at the hospital. When prison authorities informed the tribunal registrar and chief prosecutor about his refusal, the explanation was deemed unacceptable, prompting an oral directive to ensure his presence. The three-member bench of Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, was set to deliver the order on charge framing.

Earlier, on March 11, the defense sought acquittal, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present strong evidence or prove involvement in killings. The prosecution, however, claimed the two accused incited actions that led to violence and deaths of 23 people in Badda and nearby areas.