The International Crimes Tribunal–2 is set to deliver its order today on whether charges will be framed against 16 accused in a crimes against humanity case involving the killing of seven people in Ashulia during the July–August uprising, including the burning of six bodies. The judicial panel is headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury.

On 13 August, the tribunal fixed today’s date after completing the defense arguments. Earlier, on 7 August, prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi M.H. Tamim concluded their submissions before the tribunal.

That day, police produced eight of the accused in court. Another eight, including former MP Saiful Islam, remain absconding. As they did not appear, the tribunal appointed two state-funded lawyers to represent them.

Earlier, on 16 July, the tribunal had ordered newspaper notices to be published for the arrest and appearance of the absconding accused.

On 2 July, the prosecution formally submitted charges against 16 individuals, supported by 313 pages of documents, testimony from 62 witnesses, 168 pages of evidence, and two pen drives. The tribunal accepted the charges and issued arrest warrants for the absconders.

The case stems from a brutal incident on 5 August last year in Ashulia, Savar, where six young men were killed by police gunfire. Their bodies were then placed in a police van and set ablaze. One of the victims was reportedly still alive at the time, but was doused with petrol and burned to death. On 11 September, a case was filed with the tribunal accusing the perpetrators of crimes against humanity.