In a dramatic turn of events, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has agreed to testify as a state witness in a war crimes case implicating Sheikh Hasina and two others for their roles in the 2024 July–August massacre.

Standing before Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, Mamun declared his intent to expose those responsible for the crimes. On Thursday, July 10, the tribunal, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumdar and comprising Justices Md. Shofiul Alam Mahmud and Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, formally indicted Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and ex-IGP Mamun. The court rejected petitions to dismiss the charges and set August 3 and 4 for opening statements and witness testimonies.

Sheikh Hasina and Kamal remain fugitives, while Mamun is under court custody. Notably, despite being granted the legal opportunity, Mamun neither sought immunity nor requested dismissal from the case—further solidifying his stance as a state witness.

The case centers on allegations of crimes against humanity, specifically the killing of approximately 1,400 protesters during mass uprisings. Prosecutors accuse the three of inciting, directing, and facilitating the crackdown under the doctrine of superior command responsibility and joint criminal enterprise. Prosecutors have submitted audio recordings allegedly featuring Sheikh Hasina issuing deadly orders and other corroborating evidence.

The tribunal’s move to commence the trial follows a sequence of procedural steps, including the submission of investigation reports on May 12, formal charges on June 1, and a prosecution petition on July 1.