Dhaka, Dec. 23 -- The International Crimes Tribunal has ordered the start of trial proceedings against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and 15 Army officers over allegations of enforced disappearances and torture during the previous Awami League government.

The order was issued on Tuesday by a three-member bench of International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder.

The tribunal said it would begin hearing the prosecution's opening statement and witness testimony on Jan 21, reports bdnews24.com.

The case centres on allegations of crimes against humanity committed in Task Force Interrogation cells, where people were allegedly detained and subjected to torture.

Earlier...