United News of Bangladesh

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) on Sunday ordered the initiation of trial against former Information Minister and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) president Hasanul Haq Inu over six killings in Kushtia during last year’s uprising. A three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, framed eight charges of crimes against humanity against him. The court also set November 30 for the presentation of opening statements and witness testimonies in the case. On Sunday, the tribunal read out the eight charges against Inu and asked whether he pleaded guilty. In response, Inu asserted his innocence, following which the tribunal formally framed the charges and issued the trial order. Read more: Ex-minister Inu threatens police: ‘I will destroy your entire lineage’ The former minister was brought to the dock from the tribunal’s detention centre around 11:30 am and the prosecution read out the allegations in his presence. The court told him, “Eight charges have been brought against you. If you plead guilty, our work will end; otherwise, the trial will proceed.” Inu then responded, “I have heard a few charges but not all. However, it seems my request is not being considered.” Inu was charged with issuing the command to kill six people in Kushtia after communicating with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the uprising. Read more: Trial of July killings to be held at Speedy Trial Tribunals On October 23, the prosecution presented formal charges against him and requested the start of trial, prompting the tribunal to issue a production warrant to ensure his presence. On October 28, Inu’s lawyer, Monsurul Haq Chowdhury, argued that none of the allegations were true and sought dismissal of the case, urging the tribunal to examine the charges thoroughly. The prosecution, however, contended that Inu could not evade responsibility as a leader of the 14-party alliance. Inu was arrested on August 26 last year from Uttara in Dhaka and remains in prison facing multiple cases. Read more: Chankharpul killings: Tribunal orders protection for witness facing security threat

Former minister and JSD(Inu) president  Hasanul Haq Inu on Sunday threatened police guards while being produced before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday morning, in connection with a case over crimes against humanity allegedly  committed during the July uprising. Inu and another senior Awami League  leader, Shahjahan Khan, were escorted from a prison van to the tribunal’s lock-up when the incident occurred. Both were brought in handcuffs and leg irons, known as ‘dandaberi’, which sparked an altercation with the police. Witnesses said the two former ministers protested their treatment, arguing that wearing such restraints was humiliating. During the heated exchange, Inu reportedly shouted at the officers, saying, "Toder choddogoshti kheye felbo," a phrase that roughly translates to, "I will destroy your entire lineage." People to have their own representatives soon through election: Fakhrul Before the tribunal proceedings began, Shahjahan Khan raised his handcuffed hands before the judges to draw attention to the issue. “I am a valiant freedom fighter. This is an insult to me,” he said. His defence counsel also brought the matter to the court’s attention. When the court call the police members engaged in this matter, a police officer, Shahidul, alleged that the accused hurled abusive remarks during their transport, including calling the officers “children of Razakars” and threatening to “deal with them.” Shahidul further claimed that Inu warned the police, saying, “I will destroy your entire lineage.” However, from the dock, the accused leaders—Inu, Shahjahan, Rashed Khan Menon, and Kamrul Islam—denied the allegations, calling them “completely false.” Addressing the matter, the tribunal said that if any accused engages in unruly behaviour, the police are authorised to take legal action. At the same time, the court cautioned law enforcement against any excessive measures during the handling of detainees.

Hasanul Haq Inu, president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, was defeated by 19,161 votes in the 12th parliamentary elections held on Sunday. Inu who contested from Kushtia-2 (Mirpur-Bheramara) seat with AL's electoral symbol 'boat', got 79,735 votes. Democracy-loving people won as almost 12 crore boycotted polls: BNP Kamarul Arefin, an independent candidate with truck symbol, has been unofficially elected getting 98,896 votes. In 4 parliamentary constituencies in Kushtia, only one Awami League nominated candidate has won in the election. Abul Hasnat, Menon won in Barishal-1 and 2 Bangladesh Awami League joint general secretary Mahabubul Alam Hanif, the incumbent lawmaker from the Kushtia-3 (Sadar) seat, has secured the seat. He got 1,28,533 votes. His nearest rival, Eagle symbol independent candidate Pervez Anwar Tanu got 43,726 votes. History will mark 7th January as black day: Jamaat There are 16, 43, 912 voters in the four constituencies of Kushtia.