The International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Bangladesh begins the trial today of Sheikh Hasina’s adviser Salman F Rahman and former law minister Anisul Huq, both sentenced to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution. The three-member judicial panel, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar, will open proceedings with the prosecution’s introductory statement, followed by the recording of the first witness testimony.

On January 12, the tribunal rejected the defendants’ petitions for discharge and formally framed charges against them. The prosecution has brought five charges, including allegations that under their instigation and assistance, law enforcement and armed Awami League cadres killed and injured thousands of students and civilians in Rangpur and Dhaka between July and August 2024. The charges also include joint criminal enterprise and superior command responsibility.

Anisul Huq is additionally accused of filing 286 cases against 450,000 protesters, while Salman F Rahman allegedly met Sheikh Hasina with business leaders to support violent suppression of demonstrators. The tribunal’s proceedings mark a significant step in addressing alleged atrocities linked to the July Revolution.