A total of 16 people, including 11 former ministers of the Awami League government, arrested in connection with genocide and crimes against humanity during the anti-discrimination student and public movement in July-August, were presented before the International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday.
While boarding the prison van after appearing for his trial, former ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak told reporters, "You have to fight to survive, Bangabandhu taught me."
Their case was heard by the tribunal headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, Chairman of the International Crimes Tribunal.
Among them, 11 ministers are - Law Minister Anisul Haque, Amir Hossain Amu, Shajahan Khan, Kamrul Islam, Lt. Col. (Retd.) Faruk Khan, Abdur Razzak, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haque Inu, Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi and Dr. Dipu Moni.
Other accused include former state minister Junaid Ahmed Palak, two advisors to the former prime minister, Salman F. Rahman and Toufiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, former justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, and former home secretary Jahangir Alam.
