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

[Saif]

Hasina can be prosecuted 'many times over' for 'crimes against humanity': ICT prosecutor

Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), has said there is substantial evidence pointing to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's involvement in the "mass killings" during the July Uprising. Speaking to several media outlets on Wednesday, he indicated that the inve

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Hasina can be prosecuted 'many times over' for 'crimes against humanity': ICT prosecutor
Published :
Apr 02, 2025 21:57
Updated :
Apr 02, 2025 21:58

Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), has said there is substantial evidence pointing to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's involvement in the "mass killings" during the July Uprising.

Speaking to several media outlets on Wednesday, he indicated that the investigation reports on Hasina, along with former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former police chief Abdullah Al-Mamun, are nearing completion.

"The investigation reports on the key accused Hasina and her associates are almost done. We expect to receive these reports in the first half of April," Tajul said.

He added that upon receiving the reports, the prosecution would proceed with formal charges, reports bdnews24.com.

Hasina is being tried under the doctrine of "command responsibility" for alleged genocide during the student-led mass uprising that toppled her government last year.

Hasina has been charged with “genocide” during the July Uprising at the ICT.

Tajul had said before Eid that the investigation report was in its final stages.

The tribunal gave the investigation agency until Apr 20 to submit the report.

"With the substantial and irrefutable evidence we have, it is possible to prove the charges against them multiple times over. We are confident in presenting this evidence in the courtroom," the chief prosecutor said.

Tajul highlighted that the evidence includes testimonies from witnesses and victims who were on the front lines during the incidents in question.

"These witnesses will provide such compelling testimony that there will be no legal loopholes for anyone to escape. We are confident in successfully proving the charges against them," he added.

On Oct 17, the ICT issued arrest warrants against Hasina and 45 others, including her close aides, on charges of crimes against humanity linked to a student-led uprising in July and August.​

 

[Saif]

https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/al-should-be-tried-committing-genocide-3864341

‘AL should be tried for committing genocide’
Says Salahuddin Ahmed

Photo: BNP Media Cell

Awami League should be brought to trial on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity over the massacre during the July uprising, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said yesterday.

"We have presented it as a proposal before the people. We want the Awami League to be held accountable for genocide and crimes against humanity. For this, laws can be enacted in accordance with Article 47 of the Constitution or existing law can be amended," he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with representatives of Hefajat-e-Islam at the BNP chairperson's political office in the capital's Gulshan last night.

If the political fate of the Awami League is determined through judicial proceedings, the people of this country will accept it, Salahuddin added.

There has been no visible progress in the cases filed with the International Crimes Tribunal against those charged with genocide and crimes against humanity -- including Sheikh Hasina, her cabinet members, lawmakers, and her cronies, he said.

The nation eagerly expects these cases to be resolved quickly, and therefore, the manpower of the tribunal should be increased. "If necessary, it can be assessed whether tribunals can be established at the divisional level," he added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir chaired the meeting with Hefajat that began around 8:30pm and ended around 9:50pm.

Hefajat Secretary-General Sajedur Rahman, Ahmad Abdul Kader, Mahfuzul Haque, among others, were present at the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Isn’t it a conflict of interest?

The International Crimes Tribunal yesterday asked whether it would be a conflict of interest for newly appointed ICT Prosecutor Abdus Sattar since he worked as a defence counsel during previous war crimes trials and is now representing the state in a case concerning crimes against humanity in 1971.

www.thedailystar.net

Isn’t it a conflict of interest?
Asks ICT about prosecutor Sattar switching sides

The International Crimes Tribunal yesterday asked whether it would be a conflict of interest for newly appointed ICT Prosecutor Abdus Sattar since he worked as a defence counsel during previous war crimes trials and is now representing the state in a case concerning crimes against humanity in 1971.

At the beginning of yesterday's hearing, Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, chairman of the three-member tribunal, asked Sattar what will happen if the question of conflict of interest arises?

Responding to the tribunal's query, ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said, "If a lawyer represents one side in a case and later takes up the opposite side in the same case, that would be a conflict of interest. However, if a lawyer represents the defence in one case and the prosecution in another, that would not be considered a conflict of interest."

After the hearing, reporters asked Tajul about the matter. He said a person may be a defence lawyer today and join the prosecution tomorrow in another case. That's not a big issue. It does not amount to a conflict of interest.

This is a well-known and common principle, he added.

Following the July uprising, at least four lawyers, who previously worked as defence counsels during the war crimes trials, have been appointed prosecutors in the restructured ICT.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul himself had earlier served as a defence lawyer.

On March 27 this year, lawyer Sattar was made an ICT prosecutor.​

 

[Saif]

ICT seeks Interpol red notices against Quader, Kamal, 8 others

The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal Thursday sent necessary documents to Ministry of Home Affairs, initiating the process to request INTERPOL red notices against 10 individuals including Obaidul Quader and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

en.prothomalo.com

ICT seeks Interpol red notices against Quader, Kamal, 8 others
BSSDhaka
Published: 10 Apr 2025, 15: 53

Obaidul Quader and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Collage Photo

The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today sent necessary documents to Ministry of Home Affairs, initiating the process to request INTERPOL red notices against 10 individuals including Obaidul Quader and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in connection with crimes against humanity case filed over July-August mass uprising.

The eight other accused, against whom INTERPOL red notice has been sought are- former liberation war affairs minister AKM Mozammel Haque, former information and broadcasting minister Hasan Mahmud, former textile and jute minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak, former mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Sheikh Fazle Noor, Taposh, former education minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel, former state minister for power, energy, and mineral resources Nasrul Hamid Bipu, former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad A Arafat, and Tarique Siddique, former defence adviser to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

"The legal process begins with our documents submission to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The ministry will then instruct the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to coordinate with INTERPOL for red notice issuance," ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam explained during a view exchange with tribunal reporters.

The chief prosecutor confirmed that the necessary documents in this regard, were sent earlier today.

Earlier on 10 November, 2024, the government sent a letter to the INTERPOL seeking red notice against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to facilitate her arrest and repatriation for 'orchestrating the killings and genocides committed during the student-led mass-uprising in July and August', Tajul told newsmen.​

 

[Saif]

Ex-minister Inu threatens police: ‘I will destroy your entire lineage’

Former minister and JSD (Inu) president Hasanul Haq Inu on Sunday threatened police guards while being produced before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday morning in connection with a case over crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July uprising. Inu and another seni

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Ex-minister Inu threatens police: ‘I will destroy your entire lineage’
Published :
Apr 20, 2025 21:55
Updated :
Apr 20, 2025 21:55
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Former minister and JSD (Inu) president Hasanul Haq Inu on Sunday threatened police guards while being produced before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday morning in connection with a case over crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July uprising.

Inu and another senior Awami League leader, Shahjahan Khan, were escorted from a prison van to the tribunal’s lock-up when the incident occurred. Both were brought in handcuffs and leg irons, known as ‘dandaberi’, which sparked an altercation with the police, reports UNB.

Witnesses said the two former ministers protested their treatment, arguing that wearing such restraints was humiliating. During the heated exchange, Inu reportedly shouted at the officers, saying, “Toder choddogoshti kheye felbo,” a phrase that roughly translates to, “I will destroy your entire lineage.”

Before the tribunal proceedings began, Shahjahan Khan raised his handcuffed hands before the judges to draw attention to the issue. “I am a valiant freedom fighter. This is an insult to me,” he said. His defence counsel also brought the matter to the court’s attention.

When the court call the police members engaged in this matter, a police officer, Shahidul, alleged that the accused hurled abusive remarks during their transport, including calling the officers “children of Razakars” and threatening to “deal with them.”

Shahidul further claimed that Inu warned the police, saying, “I will destroy your entire lineage.”

However, from the dock, the accused leaders—Inu, Shahjahan, Rashed Khan Menon, and Kamrul Islam—denied the allegations, calling them “completely false.”

Addressing the matter, the tribunal said that if any accused engages in unruly behaviour, the police are authorised to take legal action. At the same time, the court cautioned law enforcement against any excessive measures during the handling of detainees.​

 

[Saif]

Tribunal-2 to be formed for AL trial: Mahfuz

Information and Broadcasting Advisor Mahfuz Alam said, Awami League will be tried as a party. Tribunal-2 to be formed to expedite trialHe said this in a post on his verified Facebook ID on Thursday (May 8), according to local media. In a recent Facebook post, Information and Broadcasting Adviser M

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tribunal-2 to be formed for AL trial: Mahfuz
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 08, 2025 22:29
Updated :
May 08, 2025 22:29

Information and Broadcasting Advisor Mahfuz Alam said, Awami League will be tried as a party. Tribunal-2 to be formed to expedite trial

He said this in a post on his verified Facebook ID on Thursday (May 8), according to local media.

In a recent Facebook post, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced that provisions are being added to prosecute the Awami League as a political entity. He stated, "The fascist League will surely be brought to justice," and mentioned that a second tribunal—Tribunal-2—is being formed to expedite the judicial process.

Earlier, in a post titled "Explanation or Reality," Mahfuz Alam highlighted the complexities of power dynamics in Bangladesh, noting that while the government bears responsibility, actual power is exercised by various centres. He argued that makeshift democratic reforms are insufficient and that a new political arrangement is necessary.

Mahfuz criticised political parties for their lack of cooperation since December, stating that although they hold stakes in the administration, judiciary, and police, they are committed to returning to a bipartisan framework and sidelining student involvement. He pointed out that among nearly three dozen appointees, only two are students, who have been marginalised following the president's removal. He emphasised the need for balanced student representation in governance to have a meaningful impact.

Regarding the July uprising, Mahfuz noted that the student movement became fragmented into several groups, leading to divisions and treatment akin to other political parties. He observed that the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement platform failed to organise students nationwide effectively, resulting in a divided and hesitant student populace.

Mahfuz also addressed the dominance of the Awami League, stating that both military and civilian bureaucracies have been compromised, and the League's influence in media and business remains strong. He lamented that the political economy of the League remains untouched and that the judiciary is still trapped in a bipartisan cycle.

Reflecting on the July events, Mahfuz remarked that cultural conflicts between left and right factions weakened the movement, making previous protests like Shahbagh and Shapla Chattar seem perpetual. He criticised right-wing groups for their emotional and reactionary politics and left-wing groups for their scepticism toward the government and failure to play a strong role in the uprising.

Mahfuz acknowledged the government's failure, along with all stakeholders, in addressing the cases of the martyred and injured and in ensuring justice. He noted that the uprising did not extend beyond urban areas, attributing this to the self-serving actions of the establishment and political parties, as well as the students' inexperience and lack of foresight.

He concluded by stating that the establishment is waiting to return to a bipartisan arrangement by sidelining students, who have already been marginalised due to their complete non-cooperation.

As a solution to these issues, Mahfuz emphasised the importance of ensuring fair student representation in the state and establishment and uniting against fascist forces and their agents. He stressed that restoring honesty, ideals, dedication, and unity among students is a prerequisite for these actions and for rendering the old bipartisan arrangements ineffective.​

 

[Saif]

International Crimes Tribunal-2 formed with Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury as its chairman

The government has established the International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2), appointing former High Court Division Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury as its chairman. Retired District and Sessions Judge Md Manjurul Bashid and Madaripur District and Sessions Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir have been a

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

International Crimes Tribunal-2 formed with Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury as its chairman
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 08, 2025 22:38
Updated :
May 08, 2025 22:38

The government has established the International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2), appointing former High Court Division Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury as its chairman.

Retired District and Sessions Judge Md Manjurul Bashid and Madaripur District and Sessions Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir have been appointed as members of the tribunal, according to local media.

The Law and Justice Division issued a gazette notification regarding these appointments on Thursday, May 08, 2025 .

The formation of ICT-2 aims to address the increasing number of complaints and accused individuals, expedite trials, and manage the growing caseload associated with crimes against humanity.

The chairman and members of ICT-2 will receive salaries, allowances, and other benefits equivalent to those of High Court Division judges. Additionally, the existing tribunal has been designated as International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1)​

 

[Saif]

Probe report against Hasina to be submitted Monday: ICT prosecutor

Md Tajul Islam, the chief prosecutor of the tribunal, made the disclosure in a post on Facebook on Friday.

en.prothomalo.com

Probe report against Hasina to be submitted Monday: ICT prosecutor
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 09 May 2025, 21: 54

Tajul Islam UNB file photo

The investigation agency will submit its findings to the international crimes tribunal (ICT) in a case filed against Sheikh Hasina over her involvement in mass killings and crimes against humanity during the July uprising.

Md Tajul Islam, the chief prosecutor of the tribunal, made the disclosure in a post on Facebook on Friday.

As per rules, the investigation agency will first submit its report to the chief prosecutor’s office, who will review the report and submit to the tribunal in the form of formal charge.

In his post, Tajul Islam wrote that he is expecting the investigation report to be submitted to him on Monday. Later, the formal trial against Sheikh Hasina will begin through the submission of a formal charge in the case.

The tribunal was reformed following the ouster of the Awami League government through a mass uprising on 5 August last year. In the reformed tribunal, the first case was filed against Sheikh Hasina on allegations of carrying out mass killings and crimes against humanity.

Later, Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, the former inspector general of the police who served during the uprising, was accused in the case.

In this case, the time of submitting the investigation report was extended three times. On 2 April, the prosecution sought an extension in the submission period, and the tribunal extended it by two months until 24 June.

However, the investigation is being completed before the deadline, as disclosed by the chief prosecutor in the Facebook post.​

 

[Saif]

Govt issues gazette notification allowing ICT to try political parties

The new provisions, published in the Bangladesh Gazette, introduce key definitions and enforcement measures that could reshape judicial proceedings under the tribunals

www.thedailystar.net

Govt issues gazette notification allowing ICT to try political parties

The government has formally amended the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, granting tribunals legal powers to prosecute organisations complicit in war crimes.

The new provisions, published in the Bangladesh Gazette, introduce key definitions and enforcement measures that could reshape judicial proceedings under the tribunals.

Under the revised law, the term organisation is now explicitly defined, allowing the tribunal to take action against entities found to have played a role in crimes against humanity.

Additionally, Section 20B enables the tribunal to suspend, prohibit, or dissolve organisations proven to have facilitated atrocities.

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[Saif]

ICT Act: Prosecution hails gazette with provisions to punish political party

The government has published a gazette of amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal (ACT) Act adding provisions to take punitive action against any political party, associate bodies or supporters. A gazette of the amendment was issued on Saturday.

en.prothomalo.com

ICT Act: Prosecution hails gazette with provisions to punish political party
Special Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 11 May 2025, 17: 31

International Crimes Tribunal File photo

The government has published a gazette of amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal (ACT) Act adding provisions to take punitive action against any political party, associate bodies or supporters.

A gazette of the amendment was issued on Saturday.

Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim, Prosecutor (Administration) of the International Crimes Tribunal, stated on Sunday that the recent amendments to the tribunal’s law now allow for punitive actions against organisations and the prosecution considers this a timely and appropriate step.

He further noted that while existing laws in Bangladesh already provide mechanisms to ban organisations or take punitive action against them, trials conducted under an internationally recognised tribunal like the ICT would mean greater credibility and public acceptance.

A special meeting of the interim government's advisory council on Sunday approved the proposed amendments to the ICT Act. The meeting decided that all activities of the Awami League, including its presence in cyberspace, would be banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the trial of the party and its leaders in the ICT is completed.

This decision was taken to ensure national security, safeguard the country's sovereignty, protect leaders and activists of the July movement, and ensure the safety of plaintiffs and witnesses involved in the tribunal.

Additionally, the advisory council decided that the "July Declaration" would be finalised and published within the next 30 working days.

Following the decision of the advisory council, the ICT Act has now been amended through the issuance of an ordinance. The ordinance states that, notwithstanding anything contained in this law or any other applicable laws, if the Tribunal is convinced that any organisation has committed, ordered, attempted, aided, incited, supported, conspired, cooperated in, or in any other way facilitated the commission of an offence under Section 3, Subsection (2) of this Act, then the Tribunal shall have the authority to suspend or ban the activities of that organisation, officially ban the organisation, suspend or cancel its registration or licence, and seize its assets.

The law also provides a definition of the term “organisation.” Under this law, "organisation" includes any political party. It also extends to any entity, body, or group that is subordinate to, affiliated with, or associated with such a party.​