A special court in Dhaka has formally charged former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 33 others in connection with the killing of a truck driver during the July uprising. The charges were framed on Tuesday by Judge Md Rabiul Alam of the Special Judge’s Court-4, according to court bench assistant Belal Hossain.
Among those indicted are former state minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak and former Awami League lawmaker for Dhaka-13 Sadek Khan. Both Palak and Sadek Khan, along with nine other accused currently in custody, pleaded not guilty following the reading of the charges. Two additional accused were present in court during the hearing.
The court scheduled the recording of prosecution witness statements for November 25. Meanwhile, arrest warrants have been issued for 23 of the accused, including Sheikh Hasina and several former Awami League ministers: Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Mohammed Hasan, who remain at large.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, nine defendants in detention, including Palak and Sadek Khan, were brought before the court. The case revolves around the killing of a truck driver amid unrest that unfolded in July. The authorities allege involvement of the accused in the incident, although those present have denied the charges.
The legal action represents a significant development in the ongoing inquiry into the July episode. The investigation and court process continue as the judiciary seeks to substantiate the claims against the accused and examine evidence presented by the prosecution.