The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered its investigation agency to submit reports within one month in the cases filed against eight accused, including former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. Former director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) Major General (retd) Ziaul Ahsan is among the accused. The cases were filed over killings and crimes committed against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order, said tribunal’s chief prosecutor Advocate Md Tajul Islam. The court ordered keeping the eight accused in jail until the submission of the investigation reports, the chief prosecutor said. Earlier in the morning, the eight accused were produced before the ICT in connection with killings during the July-August mass uprising. Advocate Tajul Islam said that the accused were brought before the tribunal on Wednesday after being shown arrested in cases related to crimes against humanity. Read: ICT orders completion of probe against Hasina, 45 others in a month All of them are currently behind bars in connection with other cases. The accused include former Jatrabari Police Station OC Abul Hasan, former superintendent of Dhaka police Md Abdullah Al Kafi, former DC (Mirpur) Md Jasim Uddin Mollah, former additional superintendent (Savar Circle) Md Shahidur Islam, former OC of Gulshan Police Station Md Mazharul Haque and former Detective Branch inspector Md Arafat Hossain. On October 27, the ICT had ordered that 14 accused be produced before it on November 18. Read more: We’ll seek repatriation of dictator Sheikh Hasina: Prof Yunus Thirteen people, including nine former ministers of the ousted Awami League government, were subsequently presented in court. But, former agriculture minister Dr Abdur Razzaque could not be brought before the tribunal due to his illness. Besides, the court had directed that former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun, former army officer Ziaul Ahsan, and the other aforementioned police officials be presented on November 20, as per schedule.  

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered its investigation agency to submit reports within one month in two cases filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others over the killings and crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order, said tribunal’s chief prosecutor Advocate Md Tajul Islam. Besides, the court ordered the investigation agency to update it about the absconding accused and set December 17 for holding a hearing over the matter, he said. Read: ICT chief prosecutor writers to IGP over Interpol red notice for Hasina, others Earlier in the morning, 13 accused, including nine former ministers of the ousted Awami League government, were produced before tribunal in cases over the killings during the student-led mass movement. ICT chief prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said they were produced before the tribunal after showing them arrested in cases over crimes against humanity. All the accused are now behind the bars in other cases, he added. Read: 13 AL ex-ministers, advisers produced before ICT Those who were produced before the tribunal were former law minister Anisul Huq, civil aviation and tourism minister Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan, Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal president Hasanul Haq Inu, former state minister for posts, telecommunications and information technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former prime minister's power, energy and mineral resources adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury. Ex-minister Dr Dipu Moni, Hasina’s adviser and businessman Salman F Rahman, former minister Kamal Ahmed Majumder, former minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, former justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, former home secretary Jahangir Alam and former minister Dipu Moni were among them. Though former agriculture minister Dr Abdur Razzak was supposed to be produced with the above ones, he could not be produced due to his illness. Earlier, on October 27, the ICT ordered the 14 accused to be produced on November 18. Besides, the court ordered former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun, former army official Ziaul Ahsan, former police officials Abdullah Al Kafi, Arafat Hossain, Abul Hasan and Mazharul Islam be produced on November 20. Various complaints, including that of killings, torture, abduction and harassment, were lodged with the ICT after the Sheikh Hasina-led regime was toppled on August 5. Read more: We’ll seek repatriation of dictator Sheikh Hasina: Prof Yunus Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam wrote to IGP Md Moinul Islam to take initiatives to issue red notice through Interpol to bring back former PM Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives. Over 1,000 people were killed and many injured during the July and August uprising which began as protests over government jobs and later escalated into an anti-government movement, leading to widespread violence and the end of Hasina's 15-year rule.

The European Union (EU) has underlined the importance of ensuring due process at all stages of the legal proceedings and expressed "concern" about the legal framework of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which "should be revised" as soon as possible to bring it in line with international human rights standards. Paying respect to the victims and survivors of the violent crackdown on protestors in July-August, as well as prior human rights violations, Bangladesh and the EU recently discussed the importance of transitional justice. They agreed on the need to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable. Both sides agreed on the need to address the human rights concerns of women, children, and persons belonging to minorities and marginalised groups. No one should live in fear of violence, harassment or discrimination while law and order "should be ensured" for all, including the most vulnerable, according to the EU. The interim government says it condemns any kind of violence and does not want to see any violence. The 11th meeting of the sub-group on good governance and human rights of the EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission was held in Dhaka recently under the framework of the EU-Bangladesh Cooperation Agreement. The sub-group was co-chaired by the head of the Bangladesh delegation, Mohammad Mohiuddin, head of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs division at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and by head of the European Union's delegation, Rensje Teerink, Head of Division for South Asia at the European External Action Service (EEAS). They were also joined by observers from the Embassies of the EU Member States in Dhaka. The sub-group reported to the Bangladesh-EU Joint Commission that addressed all areas of bilateral cooperation on Monday. "Very happy to be back in Dhaka to co-chair the 11th EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission. We reviewed the wide range of cooperation during these transitional times," said Deputy Managing Director for Asia Pacific Department at the European External Action Service Paola Pampaloni after the meeting. They conveyed EU support to reforms for an "inclusive" democratic transition. The EU and Bangladesh reinforced their commitment to "strengthen cooperation" in the field of human rights, good governance and on-going reform process of the interim government. They recognised that the political transition the country is currently undergoing constitutes an "unprecedented opportunity" to make progress on human rights and good governance in Bangladesh. Bangladesh-EU relations transforming from development-centric to wide-ranging strategic partnership: Paola Pampaloni They paid tribute to the courage and determination of the students and members of the general public that stood up for their rights – and remembered those that lost their lives – during the popular uprising in July-August. The EU welcomed the interim government’s "strong commitment" to advance reforms and take the necessary steps towards a "democratic, pluralistic and inclusive" Bangladesh that is grounded in the rule of law and human rights. This commitment is notably reflected in Bangladesh’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), and in the creation of a Commission of Inquiry on enforced disappearances, according to the EU. Announcements to repeal or swiftly amend some of the legislations that have been used to crush dissent and curtail fundamental freedoms, such as the Cyber Security Act, are further signals of this commitment. Bangladesh explained the process for carrying out structural reforms in several key areas, including through the recently established reform commissions. The EU welcomed the ongoing work of the commissions and underlined the importance of taking into account the realities and perspectives of the population in all its diversity, including women and minorities. The need for clarity over the further process of consultation and decision-making based on the commissions’ reports was discussed. The subgroup discussed a number of areas of reform, such as the justice sector, public administration, the security sector, and capacity building of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. Following up on the EU’s long-standing engagement with Bangladesh on labour rights, Bangladesh and the EU agreed on the urgency and opportunity to make progress in this regard, namely by making labour inspections more effective. The EU recalled that the preferential access of Bangladeshi exports to the European market is premised on the respect of international human rights and labour standards. Besides, the EU drew attention to recently adopted legislation that will reinforce the protection of human rights and labour rights, as well as improve environmental sustainability, throughout European supply chains, including for products from Bangladesh. Helpful Reference for Electoral Reforms Agreeing on the need for thorough electoral reforms, they acknowledged the recommendations of the EU Election Expert Mission of January 2024 as a "helpful reference" for Bangladesh to rebuild public trust in the electoral process and ensure that international standards on elections are upheld. The EU reiterated its great appreciation for Bangladesh temporarily hosting 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingya people on its territory. Measures to best meet the needs of the Rohingya people and host communities, as well as perspectives for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return were discussed.   The EU and Bangladesh expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in Rakhine that is seriously affecting the commencement of Rohingya repatriation. The EU encouraged the government of Bangladesh to further cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and to issue a standing invitation to UN Special Procedures in order to benefit from relevant expertise in the context of the country’s political transition. Bangladesh shared that the promotion and protection of human rights of all citizens is one of the priorities of the interim Government and it is working closely with the OHCHR in this regard. At the invitation of interim government, the UN is undertaking an independent UN Fact Finding Mission regarding the human rights violations committed in the context of the July-August student-led mass movement. Bangladesh underlined that the interim government would give due consideration to the recommendations of the UN Fact Finding Mission. They both expressed the expectation that, with Bangladesh’s renewed commitment to human rights and democracy, collaboration and alignment in multilateral human rights fora would increase.  

The International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday sent former additional superintendent of police Shahidul Islam of Dhaka district to jail in connection with a case filed over mass killing during the student-led movement. The three-member bench of the tribunal led by its chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder passed the order when chief prosecutor Tajul Islam submitted a petition seeking to send Shahidul to jail. International Crimes Tribunal: Hasina to be brought back to stand trial, vows new chief prosecutor Shahidul, who was arrested from Cox’s Bazar, was produced before the court around 10 am. Earlier on Wednesday, the ICT sent former deputy commissioner of DMP (mirpur Division) Jashim Uddin to jail. On October 27, the tribunal issued warrants for the arrest of 17 former police officers including former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman for mass killing from July to August 5. On October 17, the tribunal issued warrants for the arrest of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others.

Law Adviser of the interim government, Prof Asif Nazrul on Wednesday (14/08/2024) said that all cases filed during the student movement across the country will be withdrawn within August 31. He said this while briefing reporters at the Secretariat in Dhaka. The Law Adviser said the cases filed in Dhaka during the student-led movement will be withdrawn by tomorrow (August 15). Asif Nazrul informed that cases filed against journalist Rozina Islam and Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna will also be withdrawn. Read more: Cases against Rozina Islam, Mahmudur Rahman Manna to be withdrawn: Law Adviser Moreover, Rozina's passport has been returned to her, he added. Asif Nazrul said that the killings during the student movement--between July 1 and August 5--will be tried at the International Crimes Tribunal and efforts are being made to investigate the incidents under the supervision of the United Nations. The adviser also said, "Even though journalists have provided evidence of false cases in their reports, unfortunately, our judiciary did not notice it. It was very surprising to me. Allah has given me the opportunity to look into this." He informed that all false cases will be withdrawn. Asked about providing legal assistance to the victims of the ‘Aynaghor’, the law adviser said the victims have the opportunity to come to the International Crimes Tribunal and lodge cases. Addressing enforced disappearances as a crime against humanity, he said, “Anyone can file a case with the International Crimes Tribunal. The state can, so can the victims. Later, we can also take initiative at the state level. Right now, we are focused on the July killings.” However, the issue of enforced disappearances is very important, he said, adding that he is not underplaying it in any way. Read more: Sheikh Hasina among 30 sued in abduction case The law adviser said he has directed all officials of the judiciary and their family members to submit reports about their properties within 10 working days. “In consultation with the Supreme Court, all judicial officers and their family members have been ordered to submit statements on their movable and immovable assets at home and abroad within 10 working days,” he added.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday sentenced five people to life imprisonment for their crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971. The three-member tribunal led by Justice Md Shahinur Islam pronounced the judgment. The convicts are Khandakar Golam Sabbir Ahmed, Harmuj Ali, Fakhruzzaman, Khandaker Golam Rabbani and Abdus Sattar. Among them, Fakhruzzaman and Rabbani were tried in absentia. Lawyers Sultan Mahmud Simon, Rezia Sultana Chaman and Barrister Taposh Kanti Bol represented the state while Advocate Abdus Sobhan Tarafdar, Mizanul Islam and Haji MH Tamim stood for the accused. Rahima Khatun, wife of martyred freedom fighter Abdur Rahman, filed a case against former Jatiya Party MP MA Hannan, Jamaat leaders Fakhruzzaman and Golam Rabbani, for their involvement in crimes against humanity during the Liberation War on May 19, 2015. Also read: 6 sentenced to death for war crimes in Mymensingh Investigating officer of the case Motiur Rahman, conducted the investigation from July 28, 2015 to July 11, 2016. Police found involvement of five more people in the case and included them in the charge sheet. On October 1, 2016, the tribunal issued warrants for the arrest of the accused. MA Hannan, his son Rafique and three more accused were arrested from Trishal upazila in Mymensingh district. Mintu died during the trial proceedings while two other accused Fakhruzzaman and Rabbani went into hiding. Various allegations, including mass killing, rape, confinement, abduction, torture, and arson attack on houses, were brought against them which were proved in the tribunal. They committed the crime in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh district during the Liberation War. The tribunal took the cases against eight people into cognizance on December 11, 2016.  

The International Crimes Tribunal on Monday sentenced six fugitive criminals of Mymensingh to death for their crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971. The condemned convicts are  Mokhleshur Rahman Mukul, Saidur Rahman Ratan, Shamsul Haque Fakir, Nurul Haque Fakir, Sultan Mahmud Fakir and Naqib Hossain Adil Sarkar. All were tried in absentia. Read more: Six Khulna men to die for war crimes The tribunal headed by Justice Md Shahinur Islam handed down the punishment to the six after holding them guilty of murder, torture and kidnapping. Public prosecutor barrister Tapas Kanti Ball represented the state in the court. “There were total nine accused in this case. Two of them were behind the bars. Three people died, including two who were in prison and a fugitive accused, said barrister Tapas Kanti. According to the prosecution, the investigation of this case started on January 26 in 2017. On December 31 of that year, the investigation agency submitted its report after the investigation. Read more: Moulvibazar: Three to hang for war crimes In July 12 in 2018, a chargesheet was submitted to the court against the convicts. Later, the trial started on December 5 of the same year through charge framing. The testimonies of 19 people were taken in this case. At the end of arguments, the tribunal kept the case pending for judgment on December 5 last.

International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday (September 13, 2022) sentenced fugitive criminal Md Khalilur Rahman from Netrakona for his crimes against humanity during the Liberation War of 1971. A three-member tribunal led by Justice Shahinur Islam pronounced the death sentence. Public Prosecutor Rana Dasgupta and Rezia Sultana represented the state during the hearing while state appointed lawyer Gazi MH Tamim appeared for the accused. Also read: 5 get death sentence for raping teenage girl in Khulna PP Rezia Sultana said three of the four accused in this case died during the trial. The tribunal gave death sentence to Khalilur, then commander of Al Badr, in his absence on Tuesday as he has been absconding, said the PP. On January 30, 2017, in a press briefing of the probe agency final report on the accused was published. Also read: 2 sentenced to death in absentia for murder in Gopalganj At first the case had five accused but one of them, Ramzan Ali, died before the trial began. Other three accused that died during the trial were Khalilur’s brother Azizur Rahman, Ashq Ali and Md Shahnewaz, all residents of Noagaon union in Netrakona. Charges of illegal detention, torture, abduction, looting, arson, vandalism, attempted rape, rape, murder and genocide in 1971 were brought against the accused in this case. Read Fugitive death-row war criminal held in city The charge sheet mentioned that 22 people were killed, one was raped, one attempted rape, two of the four abducted being tortured in a camp, 14 or 15 houses being looted and arson at seven houses. Death row convict Khalilur was a member of Islami Chhatra Sangha who joined the Razakar forces during the war. Later, he became commander of Al Badr in Chandigarh union. He was known to be a supporter of Jamaat-e-Islami.

A fugitive death row convict, who was sentenced by the International Crimes Tribunal for committing crimes against humanity in 1971, was arrested from the city’s Mohammadpur area on Friday, said Rapid Action Battalion (Rab). The convict was identified as Md Nazrul Islam, 69, of Naogaon. Also read: Moulvibazar: Three to hang for war crimes ASP Imran Khan of Rab headquarters media wing said they nabbed Nazrul after a drive in the city’s Mohammadpur area around 12:30 pm. The International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Nazrul along with two others- Rezaul Karim and Shaheed Mandal- to death for their involvement in crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. Also read:Dhaka urges London to repatriate convicted war criminals The three convicts were found guilty of murder, looting, arson, torture and kidnapping in 1971. Of them, Nazrul was tried in absentia, said the official.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Thursday sentenced three people of Gafargaon upazila in Mymensingh to jail unto death for their crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.