Dhaka, April 5 -- The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has scheduled Apr 19 for the charge-framing hearing of former lawmaker Shamim Osman and 11 others for alleged crimes against humanity during the July-August 2024 mass uprising.

A two-member bench, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder and including Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, passed the order on Sunday.

The tribunal's decision followed a petition by the prosecution seeking time to appoint state defence counsel, as all the suspects in the case remain fugitives.

"Since all the suspects are absconding, we requested time to complete the formalities, including the appointment of state-appointed lawyers and the hearing on formal charges," said prosecutor Abdus S...