Chaos at ICT as angered former minister Kamrul disrupts proceedings

An unprecedented and dramatic situation arose during the recording of testimony at the International Crimes Tribunal in the case involving crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising. 

During the hearing, former Food Minister and Awami League Presidium Member Advocate Kamrul Islam, whose party activities have been banned, suddenly became agitated inside the courtroom and began shouting and yelling.

The information was confirmed by Prosecutor Mizanul Islam while speaking to the media after Monday’s (September 28) proceedings.

The prosecutor said testimony was being recorded to identify those who gave instructions and made decisions behind the bloodshed on the streets during the July mass uprising. 

When the witness told the tribunal that the top leaders of the Awami League had decided to impose a curfew to suppress the movement, Prosecutor Sultan Mahmud asked, “Who were those leaders who made the decision?”

At the question, Kamrul Islam, who was in the dock, began to voice his anger. 

Calling the question “illegal”, he began shouting.

Expressing anger and surprise, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam said, “Kamrul Islam claims that he is a lawyer with 40 years of experience. Yet inside the courtroom, he attempted to disrupt the legal environment. The prosecution has only one objective — to ensure proper justice for the innocent students and members of the public who were killed. That is why this legitimate question was asked.”

On the same issue, Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim said regretfully, “He often misbehaves with the law enforcement members who are responsible for escorting him to and from the tribunal. This is extremely unfortunate.”

Three serious charges of crimes against humanity have been brought before the tribunal against Rashed Khan Menon and Kamrul Islam. 

The charges say from senior positions in the Awami League government and the 14-party alliance, they incited the use of lethal weapons against unarmed students and members of the public and the imposition of a curfew. 

As a result of this, protesters on the streets were shot and 23 killed in the capital’s Badda and surrounding areas. 

Both Menon and Kamrul have been in jail since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.