International Crimes Tribunal
Two cases against Hasina: ICT seeks probe reports by April 20
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Tuesday ordered the authorities concerned to submit probe reports by April 20 in two cases over the mass killing during the July uprising against Sheikh Hasina and 45 others.
A three-member bench, led by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order after the prosecution submitted a petition seeking more time to complete the investigation, said court’s chief prosecutor Md Tajul Islam.
Earlier on 17 December last year, the court issued a warrant for the arrest of former premier Hasina, former minister Obaidul Quader and 44 others in the cases.
The court also ordered the investigation agency to complete the probe and submit a report within two months, which ended today (Tuesday).
The other accused include former ministers Anisul Huq, Faruk Khan, Dipu Moni, Abdur Razzaque, Shahjahan Khan, Amir Hossain Amu and Qamrul Islam.
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Advocate Tajul Islam hoped that they would be able to submit the probe report within the deadline.
Following the fall of Awami League, at least 60 cases or complaints of enforced disappearances, killings, genocide and crimes against humanity were lodged at the International Crimes Tribunal, accusing Sheikh Hasina, leaders of the Awami League and 14 party alliance and senior officials of different law enforcement agencies.
The allegations brought against the accused include murder and attempt to murder, disappearance, and other crimes.
1 month ago
BNP files complaint with ICT over killing of its leaders, activists
BNP has lodged a complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) over the killing of its 848 leaders and activists during the Awami League government’s tenure.
Salauddin Khan, coordinator of the BNP's case data information cell, on behalf of party’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, lodged the complaint with the ICT Chief Prosecutor’s office on Thursday.
Deposed PM Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, former law minister Anisul Haq, former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun and former Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) were accused in the complaint. Sheikh Hasina was made the main accused in the complaint.
Besides, 84 cases were filed by BNP with evidence.
BNP urges India to return Hasina for trial over mass killings
According to the complaint, 848 leaders and activists were brutally killed during July 1 to August 5, and the crime was committed for destroying political parties like the BNP.
BNP also submitted the document of ‘FIR’ images of newspapers, audio and video footage and demanded justice.
Earlier, on January 9, BNP lodged two complaints with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) alleging killings of its 2276 leaders and activists in ‘crossfires’ and 153 others disappeared across the country from 2008 to August 5, 2024.
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Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was made the main accused in the case and some members of law enforcement agencies were also named in the complaint.
2 months ago
Cadman warns against rushing cases before ICT, seeks further changes to legal framework
Addressing the complexities of the cases before the International Crimes Tribunal, Special Adviser to the Chief Prosecutor Toby Cadman on Monday warned the intricacies involved leave no scope for expediting justice.
"These cases are intricate and require time," Cadman said, during a press briefing at the ICT premises, after participating in the legal proceedings of the tribunal for the first time today. "There is no room for rushing to ensure due process is followed.”
While expressing confidence in Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam's leadership and commitment to ensuring justice, he also mentioned plans to engage with legal professionals and the government to bring about further changes to the tribunal's legal framework. These changes, he said, would be necessary to enhance the tribunal's impartiality and align its proceedings with both domestic and international standards.
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Cadman, a British lawyer and co-founder of London-based law firm the Guernica37 Group, was appointed Special Adviser to the Chief Prosecutor of the ICT on November 20.
Previously, he had sought to represent some of the leaders of the Jamaat e Islami who were tried in the same tribunal under the Awami League, but was prevented from doing so by the AL government. He, however, dismissed concerns that events of the past could influence his professional conduct in the cases going forward.
Cadman also expressed his hope that India would extradite Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh in the interest of justice and a fair trial.
“The Foreign Ministry has rightly urged India to extradite her. It is now up to India to decide whether they will stand for justice or shield her from trial. I hope they will support justice in the future,” Cadman said.
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Cadman emphasised that while the Bangladesh government cannot compel India to act on the extradition request, there is hope that she will be brought back, provided the requisite security and given every opportunity to defend herself under the law.
The International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, under which the ICT operates, was amended by an ordinance in November to allow for the prosecution of members of the army, navy, air force, police, Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh and all intelligence agencies, among other changes.
Arrest warrants issued
In other developments, the tribunal issued arrest warrants against eight individuals, including six police officers and two Awami League leaders, in connection with cases centring the July-August massacre.
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Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said that the warrants were issued based on evidence of direct involvement in sensational murders in Dhaka. “The investigation agency sought the warrants only after confirming their involvement,” Tajul said.
To prevent the accused from fleeing, their identities have not been disclosed. Separate petitions were filed for the arrest warrants against the eight individuals, Tajul added.
2 months ago
ICT seeks list of Khulna magistrates during July-August protests
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sought a list of magistrates who were in charge in Khulna during the mass protests by students and the public in July-August.
Following the imposition of curfew on July 20, magistrates worked alongside Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the army. The tribunal has urged authorities to submit detailed reports on the actions and directives issued by these magistrates. Last week, the tribunal sent an official letter to the Khulna deputy commissioner seeking the list.
According to sources at the DC office a report will soon be sent to the tribunal after reviewing the request.
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Khulna District Magistrate Mohammad Saiful Islam confirmed receiving an official letter from the International Crimes Tribunal. He said that the matter is currently under process to reach a final decision.
The anti-quota protests began on June 5 and later escalated into a mass uprising. Initially, the deputy commissioner did not give much attention to the movement. However, after a High Court ruling, students took to the streets, and police intervention began.
The tribunal's letter specifically highlighted events following the curfew imposed on July 19, including police activities, alleged abuse, threats from political groups like Jubo League and the now-banned Chhatra League, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement. It has called for detailed accounts of the deputy commissioner’s role during this period.
During the protests, Khondkar Yasir Arefin served as the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Khulna. On the first day of the curfew, he issued seven directives, including safeguarding public lives and property, protecting government assets, and maintaining peace and order by deploying magistrates in nine sub-districts.
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According to district records, the magistrates in charge in Khulna metropolitan and surrounding areas from July 19 to August 5 included Navid Sarwar, Rubayet Ahmed, Md. Muntasir Hasan Khan, Md. Anwar Sadat, Jubayer Jahangir (Dacope), Iftekharul Islam Shamim (Paikgachha), Asadur Rahman (Batiaghata), Papia Sultana (Phultala), Arafat Hossain (Dumuria), Sumaiya Sultana Annie (Terokhada), BM Tariq Uz Zaman (Koyra), Khan Masum Billah (Digholia), and Kohinur Zaman (Rupsha). Many of these magistrates have since been transferred to other locations.
Sources added that two days before the curfew, the then district magistrate informed the relevant ministry that there was no significant damage in Khulna. He also requested increased police deployment in key areas such as Shibbari, Sat Rasta, Zero Point, Gallamari, Khulna University premises, and major roads.
On August 4, the district magistrate requested the Khulna sector commander of BGB to deploy forces to maintain public safety and order. On the same day, an appeal was made to the principal staff officer for deploying the armed forces in the area.
3 months ago
Toby Cadman hopes India will extradite Hasina
Toby Cadman, a UK lawyer and adviser to the Special Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), has hoped that India would extradite ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina showing respect to the judicial system of Bangladesh.
“India is a democratic country and they are respectful to law. So, if Sheikh Hasina is convicted, India will send Sheikh Hasina back to the country respecting the judicial system of Bangladesh,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam and officials of the investigating team of ICT.
He said since there is a relation between Bangladesh and India he doesn’t want to give any advance reaction on what decision India will take regarding Hasina.
Cadman said there should be no political interference in the work of the prosecutor team with whom he is working.
Tribunal publishes verdict on removal of Hasina's hate speech online
He said he had consultation with the United Nations, the UK Government, the US Government and the European Union who were fully supportive of him. “They are hopeful that the rule of law will be restored in Bangladesh through this trial.”
“As a British lawyer, my only work is to assist the prosecutors’ team so that the trial is conducted maintaining international standard and transparent process. Whether the accused (Sheikh Hasina) will be sentenced to death or released is the matter of the court,” he said.
Responding to another question, whether there is any scope to take the case to the International Criminal Court, Toby said, "First of all, Bangladesh is a member of the International Criminal Court. If Bangladesh fails and expresses its inability to conduct this trial for any reason, then the International Criminal Court has jurisdiction, it can conduct the trial on its own. The way it is being done with Putin and Netanyahu. However, the International Criminal Court is not the solution to all problems.”
ICT bans dissemination of Hasina’s inflammatory remarks in media
“I want to tell the people of Bangladesh that you will have to have patience over this trial so that the prosecutor team and the investigation agency can conduct the trial process well. This time the trial process is very important,” he said.
Cadman visited Bangladesh after the fall of the Awami League-led government through a mass uprising and he met the Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus on September 2.
4 months ago
ICT bans dissemination of Hasina’s inflammatory remarks in media
The International Crimes Tribunal has imposed a ban on the dissemination of inflammatory remarks by Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the media and on social media platforms.
A three-member bench, led by Tribunal Chairman Justice Mohammad Golam Mortuza, issued the order on Thursday.
The Tribunal also directed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to remove the remarks from digital platforms.
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Earlier on Thursday, the prosecution filed a petition with the Tribunal requesting a ban on the circulation of Sheikh Hasina's controversial statements.
Prosecutors argued that Sheikh Hasina, who is wanted for charges related to genocide and crimes against humanity, has been making provocative statements while living in exile in India.
The petition specifically sought to block any statements by her that incite hatred against the country, its people, or the current government on social media and in the media.
Earlier, on November 18, the Tribunal instructed a one-month investigation into Sheikh Hasina’s involvement in the July-August genocide case.
4 months ago
ICT sends AL Leaders Amu, Kamrul to jail in genocide case
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered the imprisonment of Awami League leaders Amir Hossain Amu and Kamrul Islam in connection with a case filed over allegations of genocide.
The three-member tribunal headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, Chairman of the lCT, gave the order on Wednesday. The other members of the tribunal are Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
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Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim said, “We filed a petition to present them before the tribunal. The charges against them were read out, and the tribunal, being satisfied, ordered their presentation on December 4.”
Prosecutor Tamim detailed the allegations, saying that Kamrul Islam, a presidium member of the Awami League at the time, allegedly ordered the killing of student activists as part of party decisions. In his constituency, Dhaka-2, multiple student activists were shot and killed.
Amir Hossain Amu and Kamrul Islam are among several senior leaders of the Awami League and its allies facing trial at the ICT for crimes against humanity and genocide.
4 months ago
Former ministers Amu, Qamrul produced before ICT
Former ministers Amir Hossain Amu and advocate Qamrul Islam have been produced before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in connection with a genocide case.
They were presented before the court around 10 am, according to the prosecution.
On December 2, the ICT directed the relevant authorities to produce them on Wednesday.
It has been reported that the duo will be shown arrested in a case filed on charges of crimes against humanity and genocide allegedly committed during the July-August mass uprising.
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Qamrul was detained by detectives from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in Uttara, Dhaka, on November 18. He was subsequently shown arrested in a case related to the death of businessman Abdul Wadud, 45, which occurred on July 19 in the New Market area during the anti-discrimination student movement.
Separately, Amu was apprehended by detectives from a residence in West Dhanmondi on November 6. He has also been implicated in the same case.
4 months ago
ICT orders completion of probe against ex-IGP Mamun, 7 others in a month
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.
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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.
4 months ago
ICT orders completion of probe against Hasina, 45 others in a month
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.
4 months ago