Trial begins for Inu over 6 killings in Kushtia

A tribunal in Bangladesh has authorized criminal proceedings against Hasanul Haq Inu, who previously served as information minister, for his alleged involvement in six deaths that occurred in Kushtia during political unrest last year. The International Crimes Tribunal-2 established eight charges of crimes against humanity against the former Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal president on Sunday, with Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury leading the panel that issued the ruling.

Prosecutors claim Inu directed the fatal actions after speaking with then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while demonstrations unfolded. When tribunal members asked whether he accepted guilt regarding the accusations, Inu maintained he was innocent. His attorney had previously requested dismissal of all allegations, asserting none held merit. Government lawyers countered that his leadership position within the 14-party coalition meant he could not escape accountability.

The court scheduled Nov. 30 for initial arguments and witness presentations. Authorities detained Inu on Aug. 26 last year in the Uttara section of Dhaka, and he continues to face multiple legal actions while imprisoned. Defense counsel Monsurul Haq Chowdhury had urged officials to carefully review the charges before moving forward.