The International Crimes Tribunal-2 has ordered the start of trial proceedings against former foreign minister Hasan Mahmud and 21 others in a case over the killing of six people, including student leader Wasim Akram, during the July uprising in Chittagong. The tribunal also set July 26 for the opening statement and the deposition of the first witness. The order was issued on Tuesday afternoon by a three-member panel led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury.

The other panel members are Judges Md Manjurul Basid and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. Five arrested accused were produced before the tribunal, including former MP Fazle Karim Chowdhury and several local political leaders. The tribunal rejected their petitions for discharge before reading out the charges in their presence. When asked whether they admitted guilt, the accused declared themselves innocent and sought justice.

The remaining accused, including former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and former Chittagong mayor A J M Nasir Uddin, are absconding. The tribunal’s order marks the formal beginning of the trial process in this long-pending case.