Dhaka: The prosecution is set to submit formal charges against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) tomorrow, in relation to crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July-August mass uprising. ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam shared this development during a discussion at the National Press Club.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussion, organized by human rights organization 'Adhikar' as part of the International Enforced Disappearances Week, saw Tajul Islam as the main discussant. He attributed responsibility for enforced disappearances and other actions to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, suggesting significant progress in the trial could be expected by December. Tajul Islam emphasized the prosecution's commitment to advancing the trial process, despite the need for additional time to complete investigations.
The chief prosecutor revealed that investigations into 10 to 15 important cases have been completed, with formal charges expected to be filed at the ICT by June. He assured that the trial process would adhere to international standards and human rights norms, ensuring justice prevails without any injustice as seen in past ICT proceedings.
Formal charges, including those against former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, will be submitted to the ICT tomorrow. The Investigation Agency of the tribunal had previously submitted a probe report on May 12, implicating Sheikh Hasina in crimes against humanity during the July uprising.
The chief prosecutor had earlier briefed the media, stating that the investigation identified Sheikh Hasina as the mastermind behind the alleged crimes, which included killings, injuries from gunfire, and burning of bodies. The former prime minister faces additional cases at the ICT related to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings during her long tenure, and violence during a 2013 rally.
The probe report further implicates Hasina in directing state forces and affiliated groups in actions leading to mass violence, targeting women and children, and denying medical treatment to the injured. Following her government's fall on August 5 last year, Nobel laureate Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus assumed the role of interim government leader on August 8.