Dhaka: Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Muhammad Tajul Islam, has disclosed that captives who fell victim to enforced disappearances were cryptically referred to by their captors using the code name "Monalisa."
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the chief prosecutor revealed these details during a tribunal hearing focused on formal charges related to cases of enforced disappearances and torture. These incidents reportedly occurred at the Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) Cell and the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) during the tenure of the Awami League government. The victims were reportedly subjected to severe torture methods that included limb amputation, fingernail extraction, seating on rotating chairs, and electric shocks.
The tribunal was also informed that the captors used specific code names for different components of their operations. While detainees were labeled "Monalisa," enforced disappearance victims were referred to as "Subjects." Furthermore, the detention centers for these victims were dubbed "Art Gallery," and other secret detention facilities were termed "Hospital" or "Clinic."
In a significant development, the prosecution formally filed charges in two cases concerning the enforced disappearances and torture at the TFI Cell and the JIC. Five charges were brought against 13 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina and her former security and defense adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, for alleged crimes at the JIC. Similarly, another set of five charges was filed against 17 individuals, including the same key figures, for crimes at the TFI.
The first tribunal, under the leadership of Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, took cognizance of these charges and subsequently issued arrest warrants for the accused. The tribunal has scheduled October 22 for the accused to be presented before the court.