“The clear message is that no one who committed crimes will be spared,” he told reporters on Monday, adding that the trial process will not be halted under any circumstances.

He made the remarks while delivering his opening statement in the crimes against humanity case over the killing of student Shahriar Khan Anas and five others in Dhaka’s Chankharpul during the July–August uprising. After his statement, the first witness—Anas’s father, Palash—testified before the tribunal, with Anas’s mother also present as a witness.

Tajul Islam said the testimony of families of the youths “who shed their blood to liberate Bangladesh a second time” will ensure justice for the relatives of more than 1,500 victims.

On July 14, the tribunal indicted eight accused, including four fugitives, and set August 10–11 for opening statements and witness testimony. Four former police officers are currently in custody: former Shahbagh Police Inspector (Operations) Md Arshad Hossain, Constable Md Sujon Mia, Md Imaaz Hossain Imon, and Md Nasirul Islam.