Dhaka: The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has expressed optimism that the establishment of a second tribunal, ICT-2, will hasten the trials related to crimes against humanity during the July-August mass uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim conveyed gratitude to the government for forming ICT-2 and stated that efforts are underway to prepare formal charges. The investigation agency of the ICT is working diligently to complete the probes, and Tamim expressed hope that the nation would witness a proper trial process through both ICT-1 and ICT-2 for the crimes committed during the uprising.
The government established ICT-2 on May 8, led by former High Court Division Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, with former district and sessions judge Manjurul Bashid and current Madaripur District and Sessions Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir as its members. A Law and Justice Division gazette notification, signed by secretary Sheikh Abu Taher, stated that the existing tribunal, under Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, will now be known as ICT-1.
On October 14, 2024, the government reconstituted ICT with High Court Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder as chairman, and Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired District and Sessions Judge Md Mohitul Hoque Anam Chowdhury as members.
Prosecutor Tamim mentioned that the investigation is nearing completion for a few allegations, and a probe report for the case related to the July-August mass uprising crimes has already been received. The investigation agency informed the prosecution that probes into cases against Sheikh Hasina, former cabinet members, and senior law enforcement officials are almost complete. Formal charges are expected to be filed within the month, which would have been challenging to achieve with a single tribunal, prompting the establishment of the second tribunal.
Tamim expressed confidence that conducting trials simultaneously in both tribunals will ensure that justice is served for the crimes against humanity during the July-August uprising.