Former army chief General (retd) Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan testified at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 that he vehemently opposed the promotion of Ziaul Ahsan, labeling him a “serial killer” not deserving of advancement. Bhuiyan, who led the army from 2012 to 2015, revealed that despite his strong objection, Ziaul was elevated from lieutenant colonel to colonel during his tenure.
“I specifically conveyed to Major General Momin, the quartermaster general at the time, that Ziaul Ahsan had a history of killings and should not be promoted. I insisted on raising this objection at the promotion board meeting,” Bhuiyan stated.
Despite his protest, the promotion board mostly supported Ziaul’s promotion, citing him as a “good officer.” Bhuiyan criticized the board members for prioritizing personal interests over professional integrity.
Charged with orchestrating the disappearance and murder of 104 individuals between 2010 and 2013, Ziaul faced scrutiny during the hearing. Bhuiyan disclosed that only one promotion was granted to Ziaul during his term, highlighting that Ziaul lacked the necessary qualifications for advancement.
Bhuiyan also alleged that Major General Momin faced repercussions for opposing Ziaul’s promotion, being reassigned as the ambassador to Bahrain, a move perceived as punitive within military circles.
In a separate development, the trial commenced against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former state minister for ICT, at the ICT-1. The case accuses them of involvement in crimes against humanity during the 2024 uprising.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam outlined the case as seeking justice for a systematic state-led campaign of violence against unarmed demonstrators, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. The prosecution implicated Joy and Palak in orchestrating internet shutdowns and authorizing the use of lethal force to quell the protests.
The tribunal established three charges against Joy and Palak, scheduling the deposition of the first prosecution witness for February 25. The prosecution plans to present 32 witnesses, including victims, telecom officials, and forensic experts, to support their case.
