[🇧🇩] International Crimes Tribunal Act & The Crimes Against Humanity

[Saif]

Complete probe against Hasina, 45 others by Apr 20: ICT

The International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday extended the deadline to April 20 for submitting investigation reports against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others over the allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising...

www.newagebd.net

Complete probe against Hasina, 45 others by Apr 20: ICT
Staff Correspondent 18 February, 2025, 23:24

Former Awami League government ministers Faruk Khan, Amir Hossain Amu and Hasanul Haq Inu, and former adviser Tawfiq-e Elahi Chowdhury sit in a police prison van, while they are produced before the International Crimes Tribunal in a case filed on charges of crimes against humanity, on Tuesday. | New Age photo

The International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday extended the deadline to April 20 for submitting investigation reports against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others over the allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising.

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, passed the order responding to chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam’s prayer seeking additional time to complete the investigation into the tribunal’s first case of crimes against humanity against Hasina, who fled to India amid the mass uprising on August 5, 2024.

The tribunal also set April 20 as the deadline for completing the investigation against AL general secretary Obaidul Quader and 44 others, including senior leaders of the AL and its allies, a retired bureaucrat, and a former Appellate Division judge.

Of the 45 accused, 16 high-profile detainees were produced before the tribunal on Tuesday.

They include former ministers Anisul Huq, Amir Hossain Amu, Qamrul Islam, Faruk Khan, Abdur Razzaque Khan, Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haq Inu, Dipu Moni, Shajahan Khan, and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, two former advisers to prime minister Sheikh Hasina– Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury and Salman F Rahman, Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik and former home secretary Jahangir Alam.

While in the dock, some accused appeared smiling during the tribunal’s hearing on allegations against them.

Senior lawyer ZI Khan Panna, representing the 16 detainees, told the tribunal that he would defend them and recalled his long political ties with Menon and Inu.

Everyone has the right to legal protection, Panna said.

He sought the tribunal’s intervention for his personal security as he had received multiple death threats.

He told the court that he initially supported the student movement against discrimination but later distanced himself when the movement turned into an anti-government uprising.

The tribunal had initially ordered the completion of the investigation by February 18, but the prosecution sought additional time, arguing that the inquiry was at the final stage and would be completed within a month.

Tajul told the tribunal that investigators had gathered the intercepted communications of the accused, allegedly directing to commit crimes against humanity.

He said that they wanted to ensure all necessary evidence against the accused people.

Tajul also said that the prosecution would use the Fact-Finding Report of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights as crucial evidence against Hasina and her associates.

The UN report, released from Geneva on February 12, allegedly implicates Hasina in ordering security forces to kill protesters and conceal bodies to suppress the nationwide demonstrations.

This is a clear and compelling piece of evidence of crimes against humanity, Tajul said, adding that the report also named AL general secretary Obaidul Quader and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan for their alleged connection with the killings.​

 

[Saif]

Country risks civil war if trial of AL is delayed

Convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee Nasir Uddin Patwary yesterday warned that the people may be compelled to take matters into their own hands if the interim government delays or remains silent on the trial of Awami League.

www.thedailystar.net

Country risks civil war if trial of AL is delayed
Says Nagorik Committee convener

Photo: UNB

Convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee Nasir Uddin Patwary yesterday warned that the people may be compelled to take matters into their own hands if the interim government delays or remains silent on the trial of Awami League.

"If Bangladesh moves toward such a situation, we think there is a risk of a civil war breaking out in the country," said Nasir.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion programme at the Jatiya Press Club on the Fact-Finding Report titled 'Human Rights Violations and Abuses Related to the Protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh: Its Anatomy, Responsibility, and Trial.'

Criticising the advisory council, Nasir labelled its members "thick-skinned".

"When they are asked something, the action becomes visible six months later. To those with rhinoceros-like skin, we say: please make your skin a little thinner. If you remain silent on the issue of holding the Awami League accountable [for July atrocities], the people will be forced to take to the streets again," said the Nagorik Committee leader.

Nasir said that the people of Bangladesh have placed them in the government with great hopes and aspirations.

"But you are wrong if you think the Secretariat or your offices are like luxury suites or hotel rooms. The people are still on the streets. They are still active in various places. They are in touch with us. In many cases, we are holding them back," he said.

He alleged that Law Adviser Asif Nazrul used to talk a lot at the university, but not much since he became an adviser.

Nasir said that the first task of the interim government is to try the Awami League.

"If the trial process of the Awami League does not begin, there will be no election. First, the Awami League must be tried, and only then can elections be held," he said.

He said that efforts have been made to curb instances of mob justice across the country.

"While some incidents persist, effective measures are being taken regularly to ensure that no one in Bangladesh falls victim to a culture of impunity through mob trials ... ," he added.​

 

[Saif]

ICT charges: Trial of Hasina, some others may start by May

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Md Tajul Islam yesterday said that the investigation report on several cases including those against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina is expected by this month and the trial will start within one to one and a half months after that.

www.thedailystar.net

ICT charges: Trial of Hasina, some others may start by May
Says chief prosecutor

Tajul Islam

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Md Tajul Islam yesterday said that the investigation report on several cases including those against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina is expected by this month and the trial will start within one to one and a half months after that.

He made these remarks while speaking to journalists after attending a workshop on the importance of human rights, environmental issues, and law enforcement held at the Primary Teachers Training Institute in Sylhet.

"Justice in these cases will be ensured by maintaining international standards and there will be no rush in holding the trials," he said.

He mentioned that efforts are underway to bring Hasina back to Bangladesh through Interpol.

"Bangladesh has a prisoner exchange agreement with India, which was signed by the Awami League government. Under this agreement, it is expected that India will return Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh," he said.

The chief prosecutor also said that delays should not undermine public expectations and the biggest challenge now is to coordinate the extensive work, conduct a flawless investigation, and ensure justice while keeping the tribunal free from controversy.​

 

[Saif]

ICT orders to produce 4 on April 9 over killing of Abu Sayed

The International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday asked the jail authorities to produce four arrested suspects before the court on April 9 in connection with a case of crimes against humanity committed in Rangpur during the July-August mass uprising.

www.newagebd.net

ICT orders to produce 4 on April 9 over killing of Abu Sayed
Staff Correspondent 02 March, 2025, 21:25

The International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday asked the jail authorities to produce four arrested suspects before the court on April 9 in connection with a case of crimes against humanity committed in Rangpur during the July-August mass uprising.

The accused include former Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur proctor Shariful Islam, former Bangladesh Chhatra League joint secretary Imran Chowdhury Akash, and two police personnel—assistant sub-inspector Amir Ali and constable Sujan Chandra Roy.

The case stems from the fatal shooting of BRUR student Abu Sayeed on campus, allegedly by the police, on July 16, 2024 amid a countrywide student movement against discrimination in government job recruitment.

Sayeed’s death intensified the protests, which ultimately coalesced into a demand for the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister. She was overthrown from power on August 5, 2024.

Three of the four individuals were among the 25 accused named in a complaint filed by Sayeed’s brother Raman Ali with the office of the chief prosecutor on January 13.

Imran Chowdhury Akash, the president of Sheikh Russel Shishu Kishor Krira Chakra, was arrested at his residence in Gangapara as a suspect in the murder of Abu Sayeed on February 17 during the Operation Devil Hunt.

According to prosecutor Tajul Islam, ASI Amir and constable Sujan fired at Sayeed while former BRUR proctor Shariful and ex-BCL leader Imran were directly involved in the killing.

He said that all four suspects are currently detained in jail in connection with another case.

Tajul further said that the investigation into Sayeed’s murder is in its final stage, and the probe report is expected to be submitted before the tribunal by April 9, the next scheduled date for hearing.

He alleged that Sheikh Hasina ordered the nationwide July-August 2024 atrocities, and officers who carried out her directives at the grassroots level are likely to be named as the prime accused in the investigation report on Sayeed’s murder.

Hasina is the prime accused in all genocide-related cases concerning the violence between July 1, 2024 and August 5, 2024, Tajul said.

‘We will file separate cases against individual perpetrators, holding them accountable under the principle of superior command responsibility for crimes against humanity,’ he added.

A complaint regarding crimes against humanity, including the killings of Abu Sayeed and three others, was filed with the ICT chief prosecutor’s office on January 13.

Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, former BRUR vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid and other high-ranking officials and student leaders were among the accused named in the complaint.

Ramjan also accused 130–135 unidentified people in the case.

Other accused in the case include the then BRUR proctor Shariful Islam, associate professor for mathematics Md Mashiur Rahman, associate professor for public administration Asaduzzaman Mondal, former inspector general of police Abdullah Al Mamun, former Rangpur Metropolitan Police commissioner Md Moniruzzaman, former deputy inspector general of Rangpur division Md Abdul Baten, Rangpur Metropolitan Police commissioner Md Abu Maruf Hossain, additional deputy commissioner Md Shah Nur Alam Patwari, assistant commissioners Md Arifuzzaman and Md Al Imran Hossain, Tajhat police station officer-in-charge Rabiul Islam, BRUR police outpost in-charge Bibhuti Bhusan Roy, sub-inspector Tariqul Islam who prepared Sayeed’s inquest report, executive magistrate and assistant commissioner Ahmed Sadat, who signed the inquest report, BRUR employees Nurunnabi and Rafiul Hasan Rasel.

The university unit Chhatra League leaders named in the case include its president Pomel Barua, general secretary Shamim Mahfuz and organising secretary Dhanojoy Kumar Tagore.

Only three of the 25 accused in the case have been arrested.

On August 18, 2024, Ramjan Ali filed a complaint with the court of the chief judicial magistrate in Rangpur against the same accused persons.

The police on July 16 filed a case with the Tajhat police station against unidentified individuals in connection with Sayeed murder.​

 

[Saif]

Elected govt will be committed to bringing Hasina to book: Khasru

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said that an elected government will be committed to bringing ousted Sheikh Hasina to justice. “There is no connection between the national election and the trial process of ousted Sheikh H

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Elected govt will be committed to bringing Hasina to book: Khasru
BSS
Published :
Mar 05, 2025 20:52
Updated :
Mar 05, 2025 21:44

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today spoke at roundtable of the Ship Recycling Industry in Bangladesh’ at a hotel in the city. Photo : BSS

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said that an elected government will be committed to bringing ousted Sheikh Hasina to justice.

“There is no connection between the national election and the trial process of ousted Sheikh Hasina. There is no scope for delaying the electoral process under any circumstances. A government elected by the people will be committed to ensuring justice for fascist Sheikh Hasina and her accomplices,” he said.

He made these remarks while addressing a roundtable titled ‘Challenges and Possibilities of the Ship Recycling Industry in Bangladesh’ at a hotel in the city. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Breakers and Recyclers Association (BSRBRA).

Mentioning that every citizen of the country wants Sheikh Hasina to face trial, he said, “The trial process is a legal matter and the process will continue. There are many cases filed against the dictator Sheikh Hasina, and those cases will be resolved through the judicial process.”

“Many people had been repressed and killed over the last 16 years,” he said, adding that the people of the country ousted Sheikh Hasina through an uprising, with the primary objective of establishing a democratic atmosphere in Bangladesh where citizens can freely express their opinions.

“Any party can express their opinion,” Khasru said, emphasizing the need for a unified decision from all quarters.

He further stated that if any party wants to implement its agenda, it must come to parliament with the people’s mandate. Only then will it be possible to discuss, debate, and pass legislation in parliament.

He also noted that no one should have any objections to decisions which are made through consensus.

About the ship recycling industry, Amir Khasru said that ship recycling is a prime example of the circular economy, significantly contributing to Bangladesh’s economic growth, industrial development, and employment generation.

He urged the government to provide full support for the industry’s expansion.

AB Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, BNP Chairperson’s Special Assistance Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Norway Ambassador H+kon Arald Gulbrandsen, European Union Representative’s Programme Manager Hubart Balum, JAICA Ship Recycling Adviser Wakmoto Akira and BSRBRA Adviser Showkat Ali Chowdhury, among others, spoke at the event with BSRBRA acting President Mohammad Jahirul Islam Rinku in the chair.​

 

[Saif]

Toby Cadman urges govt to refer July massacre case to the ICC

He also suggested changing the name of the International Crimes Tribunal

www.thedailystar.net

Toby Cadman urges govt to refer July massacre case to the ICC
He also suggested changing the name of the International Crimes Tribunal

Toby Cadman today urged the government to refer the cases of the July-August massacres to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, said a CA press wing release.

Cadman is the Special Advisor to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor and has extensive experience as an international criminal law specialist. He has worked on cases in Bosnia, Kosovo, Rwanda, Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine.

He made the suggestion when he called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.

According to the press release, the issue of how Dhaka would involve the International Criminal Court in The Hague was also brought up and discussed during this meeting. The discussions delved into the potential for international cooperation and the roles and responsibilities of the court in Bangladesh's quest for justice.

The meeting began with a detailed discussion on the progress and challenges faced by the International Crimes Tribunal.

The tribunal has the task of addressing the atrocities committed during the previous regime of Sheikh Hasina, especially during the student-led uprising in July-August 2024.

In the meeting between Cadman and Yunus, a number of topics were discussed concerning the applicable legal framework and the need to break from the past.

Cadman, who is also the head of G37 Chambers, suggested amendments to the ICT legal and regulatory framework, including changing the name of the tribunal "to demonstrate a clear departure from the previous autocratic regime."

According to the press release, it was noted in the meeting that due to certain absconding accused being shielded by foreign states, cooperation with the International Criminal Court under the principles of complementarity is required, and the two institutions should work closely together to ensure that the perpetrators are held fully accountable.

The issue of the death penalty and the incorporation of procedural rules of evidence to ensure the highest standards of fair trial and due process were also discussed during the meeting.

Professor Yunus expressed appreciation for the work of the ICT Prosecution team, saying they must uphold the highest international standards to ensure a fair trial and justice.

The Chief Adviser also said Bangladesh would soon decide whether it would refer the July atrocities to the Hague-based ICC since the UN fact-finding mission last month reported that potential crimes against humanity were committed during the uprising.

"It is important that the world should know who ordered the massacres of 1,400 students, protesters, and workers during the July uprising and who were the main perpetrators. The UN fact-finding mission has done a splendid job by unmasking the real face of the (Sheikh Hasina) regime. Now we must hold the culprits to account and serve justice," he said.

The issue of providing full resources to the tribunal and the prosecution was discussed to ensure that witnesses are protected, the accused receive all fundamental rights necessary for fair trials, and that the public has full and transparent access to the process.

Another major point of discussion was the seizure of stolen assets by the previous regime, and the legal and procedural measures needed to recover and repatriate these assets.

At the end of the meeting, Professor Yunus presented Cadman with a copy of the book "Art of Triumph: Graffiti of Bangladesh's New Dawn."​

 

[Saif]

Arrest warrant issued against Hasina, 4 others over Shapla Chattar incident

The tribunal has issued arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina, former inspector IGP) Benazir Ahmed and Imran H Sarker

en.prothomalo.com

Arrest warrant issued against Hasina, 4 others over Shapla Chattar incident
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 12 Mar 2025, 16: 00

The autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina was overthrown on 5 August 2024 in an uprising of the students and masses

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday issued arrest warrants against five people including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed in a case lodged over the genocide that took place in the capital's Shapla Chattar area on 5 May, 2013.

The court also issued arrest warrant against former home minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, former IGP Hasan Mahmud Khandaker and Imran H Sarker.

The three-member tribunal led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder passed the order, allowing a plea of the prosecution.

Chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam and prosecutor Mizanul Islam argued for the plea of the prosecution, while prosecutors BM Sultan Mahmud, Gazi MH Tamim, Mohammad Shahidul Islam, Tarek Abdullah and Shaikh Mahadi were present at the time.

The prosecution said four more accused, former state minister for home affairs Shamsul Haque Tuku, former IGP Shahidul Haque, Major General (sacked) Ziaul Ahsan and former police official Mollah Nazrul Islam have already been arrested and are now behind the bars.

Hefazat-E-Islam filed a complaint with the office of the ICT chief prosecutor in this connection on 27 November 2024, against 50 accused including Sheikh Hasina.​

 

[Saif]

First formal charge in ICT after Eid

The Office of the Chief Prosecutor is set to file the first-ever formal charge with the International Crimes Tribunal after the Eid vacation in a case of crimes against humanity linked to the student-led mass uprising in July and August in 2024.

www.newagebd.net

First formal charge in ICT after Eid
Staff Correspondent 23 March, 2025, 23:41

Probe into Ashulia six murders ends

The Office of the Chief Prosecutor is set to file the first-ever formal charge with the International Crimes Tribunal after the Eid vacation in a case of crimes against humanity linked to the student-led mass uprising in July and August in 2024.

The case alleged that the members of the law enforcement agencies and the associates of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina committed crimes against humanity and genocide by killing six people in Ashulia, on the outskirts of Dhaka.

The investigation agency has recently submitted its draft report on the case to the chief prosecutor’s office.

The formal charge is expected to be filed after the ongoing Eid vacation, chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam told reporters at a press briefing on Sunday.

‘We are scrutinising the report. We will submit the formal charges against the accused to the International Crimes Tribunal for trial after completing the scrutiny,’ he said.

Tajul, however, did not disclose the names of the accused to be charged in the case.

He said that the investigation agency was in the final stages of reviewing at least three or four other cases.

He expected that they would get the probe reports in those cases after the Eid vacation.

‘One of these cases accuses [deposed prime minister] Sheikh Hasina,’ Tajul added.

Prosecutor Gazi Monwar Hossain Tamim told New Age that the draft investigation report in the case dropped the genocide charge but retained charges of crimes against humanity.

The chief prosecutor’s office has the authority to reject or amend the investigation report, or return the report for further investigation before submitting formal charges to the tribunal for trial, he noted.

Currently, several former officials of the law enforcement agencies, including former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, former Dhaka district additional superintendent of police Abdullahhil Kafi, and former police inspector Arafat Hossain, who are now in jail are facing charges of crimes against humanity committed in Savar and Ashulia during the July-August uprising.

Former Awami League lawmaker and Ashulia unit AL general secretary Muhammad Saiful Islam faces a warrant of arrest in the same case.

Two cases of genocide and crimes against humanity were filed in September 2024 against Hasina and several of her key allies, including former cabinet members, party leaders, and senior police officials.

The cases center on the killing of six individuals in police firing at Ashulia on August 5, 2024.

One case was filed by Rizwanul Islam, who accused Hasina and 29 others of orchestrating the deaths of five people, including his brother during the Ashulia incident that followed the fall of Hasina-led Awami League regime.

The second case, lodged by Shahina Begum, holds Hasina and 39 others responsible for the killing of her son, Sazzad Hossain, who was among those celebrating the fall of the AL regime.

The other accused include ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s former adviser Salman F Rahman, former ministers Obaidul Quader and Asaduzzaman Khan, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, former Dhaka district superintendent of police Maruf Hossain, Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s former additional deputy commissioner Abdullah Al Kafi, Beximco security chief and retired major Arif, and local Awami League leaders and police officials in Ashulia.

The victims’ families claimed that the killings were premeditated and carried out by on-duty police officers and local ruling party leaders on orders from Hasina, her cabinet members, and senior officials of the law enforcement agencies.

They alleged that the victims were abducted, and killed, and their bodies were either buried or dumped from police vehicles in front of the Ashulia police station in an attempt to conceal the crimes they had committed.​

 

[Saif]

Someone connected to ICT may be leaking arrest warrant info: chief prosecutor

"If anyone is found involved, the individual will be brought under the law and face exemplary punishment"

www.thedailystar.net

Someone connected to ICT may be leaking arrest warrant info: chief prosecutor

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tajul Islam, stated today that police officers are going into hiding after arrest warrants are issued against them in connection with crimes against humanity cases, possibly due to information leaks from someone connected to the tribunal.

"It is unfortunate that this is being leaked from some source here. We are closely monitoring this with great concern," Tajul said replying to a journalist's query at a briefing after the tribunal's proceedings.

The journalist had asked that as soon as an arrest warrant is issued by the tribunal, the information got leaked and so far, 22 police officers have gone into hiding due to the leakage of the information.

"It seems that someone connected to this tribunal or possibly within the prosecution team could be involved. We are analysing this issue with deep concern and gathering information and evidence," said Tajul in response.

If anyone is found involved, the individual will be brought under the law and face exemplary punishment, he added.​

 

[Saif]

New ICT prosecutor's appointment revoked over 'AL ties'

The decision was taken on the same day of her appointment after reports surfaced linking Sylvia to Awami League's political activities

www.thedailystar.net

New ICT prosecutor's appointment revoked over 'AL ties'

The government has revoked the appointment of Afroze Parveen Sylvia as a new prosecutor for the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) amid controversy over her alleged involvement with the pro-Awami League lawyers' group, Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad.

The decision was taken on the same day of her appointment after reports surfaced linking Sylvia to Awami League's political activities.

On Thursday, a notification was issued appointing four new prosecutors, including Sylvia along with three other lawyers.

Later, the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs issued a notification cancelling her appointment.

The other three appointed prosecutors are Md Mamunur Rashid, Abdus Sattar, and SM Tasmirul Islam.

The solicitor wing of the Law and Justice Division issued a gazette notification yesterday, stating that the appointments take effect immediately.​