Testimony Against Salman F. Rahman and Anisul Huq Begins Today

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to begin recording testimony today against Salman F. Rahman, former advisor to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and former Law Minister Anisul Huq. The duo faces charges of crimes against humanity and inciting the lethal crackdown on protesters during the July-August 2024 mass uprising.

The proceedings will be conducted by a bench led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder.

This stage follows an opening statement delivered by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam on February 10. The prosecution’s case centers on an intercepted phone conversation between the two defendants during the height of the unrest. According to the prosecution, the pair discussed "eliminating" protesters during the enforced curfew.

The prosecution alleges that these directives served as direct incitement, resulting in security forces indiscriminately firing upon students and civilians across the country, including the capital.

On January 12, the tribunal rejected the defendants' acquittal pleas and formally framed charges. The formal complaint was initially filed on December 4, 2023, and subsequently accepted by the court.

Salman F. Rahman and Anisul Huq have remained in custody since their arrest on August 13, 2024. Senior lawyer Mansurul Haque Chowdhury is representing the defense, while Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam leads the state’s case.