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

G Bangladesh Defense
[🇧🇩] International Crimes Tribunal Act & The Crimes Against Humanity
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ICT charges: Trial of Hasina, some others may start by May
Says chief prosecutor

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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.​
 

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

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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.​
 

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

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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.​
 

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

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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."​
 

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

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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.​
 

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

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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.​
 

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

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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.​
 

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

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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.​
 

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

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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.​
 

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

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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.​
 

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.​
 

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

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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.​
 

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