In a landmark verdict over crimes committed during the July mass uprising, the International Crimes Tribunal-2 has sentenced six people to death for crimes against humanity linked to the killing of seven individuals, including the burning of six bodies, in Ashulia, Savar.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, delivered the judgment on Thursday. The other members of the bench were Justice Md Manjurul Bashid and Justice Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.

Seven other accused have been handed life imprisonment, two received seven years of rigorous jail terms, while one former police officer was acquitted after serving as a state witness.

Those sentenced to death include former lawmaker Mohammad Saiful Islam, former Ashulia police officer-in-charge A F M Sayed, former sub-inspector Abdul Malek, former assistant sub-inspector Bishwajit Saha, former constable Mukul Chowdhury, and Jubo League activist Rony Bhuiyan.

According to the case findings, police personnel stacked bodies in a van before setting them on fire. Verified video footage of the incident was later included in a United Nations report.

Among those given life sentences are several senior police officials, including a former DIG of the Dhaka Range, a former Dhaka district police superintendent, additional superintendents, inspectors, and intelligence officers.

Two former sub-inspectors were sentenced to seven years in prison, while another officer was granted clemency after turning approver in the case.

Out of 16 accused, eight are currently in custody and eight remain absconding.

The killings took place on 5 August 2024, the day the Awami League government fell, when six people were shot dead in the Ashulia police station area. One critically injured victim was also burned alive. The victims included Sajjad Hossain, As-Sabur, Tanzil Mahmud, Bayezid Bostami, and Abul Hossain.

This is the first verdict delivered by Tribunal-2 concerning crimes against humanity during the July uprising. Previously, Tribunal-1 delivered two verdicts in similar cases, including death sentences for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan in one case, while another former police chief received a reduced sentence after confessing.

In a separate case earlier this year, three former senior police officials, including a former DMP commissioner, were also sentenced to death for crimes against humanity committed during the same period.