SIRAJUL ISLAM RUBEL

The trial of Awami League leader Shahjahan Khan is likely to begin soon, as the International Crimes Tribunal’s investigation agency has recently submitted a probe report over crimes against humanity.

In the probe report submitted to the chief prosecutor, the investigation officer brought command responsibility charges against the former shipping minister in connection with the killing of three persons in Madaripur during the July 2024 uprising.

Confirming the development to The Daily Star, ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said they are currently analysing the report against Shahjahan Khan, a former lawmaker from Madaripur-2.

“We have received the investigation report following a lengthy probe. Evidence regarding his involvement in crimes against humanity has been found,” Aminul said.

“We aim to submit a formal charge to the tribunal in seven to ten days upon scrutiny,” he added.

Apart from the three specific fatalities in Madaripur, the prosecution revealed that Shahjahan Khan will be implicated in the killing of around 1,400 protesters across the country during the uprising.

The chief prosecutor said the influential figure was actively present and supported top-level government decisions to violently suppress the student movement during the uprising, particularly on July 15, 17, and 24 in 2024.

“His presence alongside senior leaders like Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, combined with his explicit support for decisions to crush the movement, directly incited the nationwide violence that claimed nearly 1,400 lives,” Aminul said.

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