DHAKA, Oct 17, 2024 (BSS) - The reconstituted International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on its maiden day, issued warrants to arrest ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others on the charges of crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising.

The three-judge tribunal led by its Chairman Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar passed the separate orders, allowing two pleas of the prosecution today.

"The tribunal passed the orders, asking to arrest and subsequently produce them before the court by November 18," ICT Chief Prosecutor Advocate Mohammad Tajul Islam said.

The 45 other accused, who have been asked to be arrested, include Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Obaidul Quader, Anisul Huq, AKM Mozammel Haque, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Hasan Mahmud and Zunaid Ahmed Palak.

"We filed two separate petitions. In one petition, we pleaded to issue arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina. In the other petition, we pleaded to issue arrest warrant against 45, including Obaidul Quader. The tribunal allowed our two petitions," Advocate Tajul Islam added.

The chief prosecutor in his introductory statement, drew the tribunal's attention on alleged crimes against humanity committed by the past Awami League government, including Shapla Chattar massacre, Pilkhana carnage, extrajudicial killings by RAB and genocides during the student-led July-August mass uprising.

The government on October 14 reconstituted the ICT with the appointment of three judges. The chairman of the three-judge panel is Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, while two members are- Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired District and Sessions Judge Md Mohitul Haq Enam Chowdhury.