Nine ex-ministers among 13 shown arrested in genocide case

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has shown arrested 13 high-profile individuals, including nine former ministers, in a case filed over crimes against humanity and genocide during the July-August mass uprising.

The accused were brought to the court premises at 9:45am today.

The accused include former law minister Anisul Huq, civil aviation and tourism minister Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan, Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal president Hasanul Haq Inu, former state minister for posts, telecommunications and information technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former prime minister's power, energy and mineral resources adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury.

Photo: Sirajul Islam Rubel

Ex minister Dr Dipu Moni,  Hasina's adviser and businessman Salman F Rahman, former minister Kamal Ahmed Majumder, former minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, former justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, former home secretary Jahangir Alam and former minister Dipu Moni were also among them.

All of the accused were given time and space to speak to their lawyers and meet their families after court proceedings wrapped up.

They all were seated in the docket. Only Dipu Moni was given a chair outside the docket to seat. None of the accused were in handcuffs.

After today's proceedings, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam told media said, "Let this be a lesson for those who think of becoming autocrats in future."

What happened today should be a lesson that absolute power and suppression of people's aspirations do not guarantee power for ever, he said.

Law enforcement officials were seen in position inside and outside the ICT office with entry restrictions being enforced. Journalists, and even lawyers, were denied entry without permission.

Tight security has been enforced at the premises to prevent untoward incidents, said Shahidul Islam, a policeman deployed at the spot.

"Restrictions has been ensure for today's to entry at the ICT court. I maintain and welcome the rules and restrictions," said senior lawyer Ehsanul Haque Shomaji.

News agency UNB adds: Though former agriculture minister Dr Abdur Razzak was supposed to be produced today, he could not be produced due to his illness.