The Trial involves the prosecution of the detained politician and businessman, Salman Rahman, who was an Awami League member of parliament and the Private Industry and Investment Advisor to the prime minister (and therefore given cabinet rank), and Anisul Huq, the law minister.
It was reported that they were both arrested by police on August 13, 2024 in relation to a murder case under the country’s penal code and was subsequently shown arrested by the ICT on December 10 in relation to an alleged offence of crimes against humanity.
The trial is taking place in Court 1 of the ICT.
FORMAL CHARGE, COGNISANCE AND CHARGE FRAMING
At the ICT, the prosecution first submits the “formal charge” to the Tribunal; the Tribunal decides whether or not to take cognisance of the charges; and the Tribunal then decides whether or not to frame charges against the accused after hearing from both the prosecution and defence.
The Formal Charge
On 4 December 2025, the prosecution submitted the formal charge to the ICT.
- Read the section on the “historical background”
- Read the section on the “July revolution”
- Read the section on the “complicity” of the two accused.
- Read the section on the proposed charges
The Tribunal took cognisance of the charges on the same day.
Application by the defence to discharge the accused
- Read the petition submitted by Anisul Huq’s lawyers seeking discharge from the charges.
- Read the petition submitted by Salman Rahman’s lawyers seeking discharge from the charges
- Read a summary of prosecution arguments made in court seeking charge-framing
Charge-Framing Order
The Tribunal passed its order on 12 January 2026. It was a relatively short order.
- Read the first section of the order that deals with the response to the discharge application, and response to charges
- Read the second section of the order setting out the five charges framed against the two men
Application to review order
Documents not yet available
TRIAL HEARINGS
Below is an index to transcripts of witness testimony given in court. All testimony is given by witnesses in Bangla and the transcripts below are unofficial English translations. Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the translations, however some mistakes may exist. Some cross examinations are currently missing.
Prosecution witnesses
- Prosecution Opening Statement
- Witness 1: Imran Hossain, protestor
- Witness 2: Md. Kamal Howlader
- Witness 3: Kamrul Hossain, sub-inspector, ICT
- Witness 4: Md Alamin Patwari, father of deceased
- Witness 5: Abu Johamul Islam, protester
- Witness 6: Mohammad Abdul Matin, father of deceased
- Witness 7: Sumi Akhter, wife of Akhtaruzzaman who died
- Witness 8: Nargis, aunt of Rita who died
- Witness 9: Atiqur Rahman, CID