Formal charges filed against Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Maksud Kamal at the Tribunal

The prosecution has filed formal charges against eight individuals—including former Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal and writer Dr. Muhammed Zafar Iqbal—accusing them of crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising.

The formal charges were submitted on Wednesday to the Registrar's office of the International Crimes Tribunal.

The other accused individuals are DU Professor AKM Jamal Uddin, retired Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, Chhatra League President Saddam Hussain, its General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan, and DU Chhatra League President Mazharul Kabir Shayan and its General Secretary Tanvir Hasan Saikat.

Among the accused, Justice Manik, Jamal Uddin, and Saikat are currently in jail, while the others remain at large.

Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told reporters that the accused face charges of incitement, conspiracy, attempt, and abetment regarding attacks on protesting students at the Dhaka University campus.

He stated that Maksud Kamal delivered inflammatory speeches and was involved in a conspiracy, which led to attacks on the protesters by the Chhatra League, Jubo League, and the police. 

"We have filed formal charges regarding this matter," he added.