Prosecutors on Thursday sought formal charges and the start of trial against nine accused in a crimes against humanity case over the killing of three protesters during the July uprising in Gauripur, Mymensingh. The application was made before International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, on August 20, 2026.
Prosecutor Marzina Raihan Madina alleged that former Gauripur upazila chairman and Awami League general secretary Somnath Saha, along with former officer-in-charge Sumon Chandra Ray, jointly decided to use lethal weapons against unarmed participants in the anti-discrimination movement. She said their subordinates and associates acted with law enforcement personnel and armed Awami League cadres.
The prosecution alleged that three people were shot dead and numerous students and members of the public were seriously injured using pistols and China rifles. Two videos recorded during the incident were shown to the tribunal, and the prosecution said one showed SI Shafiqul Islam firing directly at close range. The tribunal set September 8 for the defence hearing. Three of the nine accused are detained, while six are absconding.