Dhaka: The investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is preparing to submit probe reports for four significant crimes against humanity cases related to the July-August mass uprising. ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam announced that the reports, concerning the horrific incidents of body torching in Ashulia, the Chankharpul massacre, the shooting of a youth in Rampura, and charges against the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are nearing completion and will be presented to the tribunal shortly.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam shared this information during a morning session with reporters covering the tribunal's activities. He detailed that the formal trial process will commence once the tribunal acknowledges the formal charges. He revealed that the ICT has received 339 allegations, with the probe body currently investigating 39 cases. Of the 22 miscellaneous cases filed against 141 individuals, probe reports for four cases are almost finalized.
Muhammad Tajul Islam elaborated that out of the 141 accused, 54 have been arrested while 87 remain at large. The accused include 70 civilians, 62 police officers, and nine military personnel. Addressing concerns about the time taken for the probe report preparation, the ICT Chief Prosecutor emphasized the importance of bringing the masterminds and direct perpetrators of the crimes to justice. "We have brought the shining truth, so it will not be logical to set a timeframe for the investigation," he stated.
The ICT team has recorded statements from over 1,000 individuals and collected digital evidence, including more than 1,000 video clippings. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim noted that the team is currently reviewing digital evidence and verifying geo-locations. They have visited 15 districts, including Narsingdi, Habiganj, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Natore, Chapainawabganj, Bogura, and Rangpur as part of the investigation, revisiting many districts on multiple occasions.
Additionally, the tribunal team has investigated three locations related to enforced disappearances in Dhaka, Chapainawabganj, and Bogura, collecting crucial evidence. Prosecutor Tamim highlighted the tribunal's proactive approach, including participation in four public hearings at North South University, Northern University, Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT), and Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasah in Jatrabari to foster public involvement in the investigation.
The views exchange session commenced with digital presentations by prosecutors Saimum Reza Talukder and Gazi MH Tamim, providing an overview of the tribunal's functions and updates on case investigations. Other prosecutors, including Abdus Subhan Tarafder, Mizanul Islam, and Abdullah Al Noman, were also present at the session.