Dhaka: International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam today announced that the prosecution has uncovered evidence of a conspiracy aimed at obstructing the trial of the July-August massacre.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tajul Islam stated, “We have found a lot of specific information and evidences of hatching conspiracy to thwart the tribunal’s trial of the July-August mass killing. Simultaneously, the masterminds behind the plot have been identified.” He assured that appropriate actions will be taken against those involved in the conspiracy in due course.
Earlier, on Wednesday, Tajul mentioned that the prosecution had received the draft probe report for a case against Sheikh Hasina concerning the July-August mass killing. A formal charge is expected to be filed once the final report is obtained.
On March 27, Tajul disclosed that they had received the draft of the probe report regarding the Chankharpul crimes against humanity, where five individuals were shot dead on August 5. This report is anticipated to be submitted to the tribunal soon.
ICT Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim revealed that over 300 complaints have been lodged with the International Crimes Tribunal’s prosecution. These complaints pertain to murders and mass killings aimed at suppressing the student movement during July-August, as well as enforced disappearances and crimes against humanity over the past 15 years. The complaints also include the mass killing at Motijheel Shapla Square on May 5, 2013.
Tamim added that out of these complaints, 23 have been registered as cases, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants against 145 individuals. Approximately 50 of the accused have been apprehended so far.