The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued a warrant for the arrest of 15 people, including former Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, ex-Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury Nowfel and removed Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, in connection with the murder of a student in Chattogram during the 2024 mass uprising.
The three-member tribunal, led by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order on Tuesday following an application filed by the ICT prosecution team.
ICT Chief Prosecutor Advocate Mohammad Tajul Islam said, "Two petitions -- one for a production warrant and the other for an arrest warrant -- were submitted before the tribunal over the Chattogram murder. Awami League, Jubo League and banned Bangladesh Chhatra League leaders and activists were involved in genocide in the port city."
Hasan Mahmud, Nowfel and others have been accused of the murder of Wasim Akram, a student of Chattogram College, who was shot dead on 16 July 2024 in the Muradpur area of the port city.
The college student was shot in the chest and abdomen while standing in front of Barcode Restaurant, preparing to join a student rally.
The attackers, allegedly on the orders of the accused Awami League leaders and activists, used firearms, batons and explosives to disperse the rally, resulting in Wasim's death.