The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Wednesday ordered the publication of newspaper notices asking former Awami League lawmaker AKM Shamim Osman and 11 others to appear before it in a crimes against humanity case over killings in Narayanganj during the 2024 July uprising.

A three-member tribunal led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder passed the order and fixed March 15 for the next hearing.

The order came after law enforcement agencies reported that the accused could not be found at their permanent or temporary addresses.

Among the accused are Shamim Osman’s son Imtinan Osman Ayan, his nephew Ajmeri Osman, his brother-in-law Minhaz Uddin Ahmed, and Tanvir Ahmed Titu, along with others linked to him and his family.

The prosecution withheld the names of seven other accused, saying that disclosure might prompt them to go into hiding.

The case relates to the killing of 10 people, including six-year-old Riago, who was shot while playing on a rooftop in Fatullah.

The incidents occurred in Fatullah and surrounding areas on July 19 and July 21, 2024.

On January 19, the tribunal took cognisance of the formal charges and issued arrest warrants against the 12 accused.

According to the prosecution, Shamim Osman allegedly told Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader in a recorded conversation that he had taken up arms and opened fire in Fatullah and Siddirganj, claiming that police had sought his assistance.

He allegedly said that he was clearing the Dhaka–Chattogram highway and sought assurance that party chief Sheikh Hasina would not be displeased over his possession of arms.

The prosecution said that the shootings led to multiple deaths, including that of the minor boy in Fatullah.