Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has introduced amendments to its rules of procedure, detailing the method for trying organizations under the act. ICT prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim explained that while the provision for trying and punishing an organization was previously included by amending the ICT Act, this new amendment, titled "International Crimes Tribunal-1 Rules of Procedure 2010 (Amendment), 2025," clarifies the process for trying organizations. It also specifies that representatives from the accused organization can appear at the tribunal during the trial.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the amended Rule-30 states, "...if cognizance is taken against any organization, summons/warrant shall be served upon the President/Chairman/Chairperson or Secretary of the person(s) in charge of the concerned organization. The organization shall be represented by its President/Chairman/Chairperson or Secretary or any other member of the executive committee and accordingly the said person(s) may be made liable, if deemed expedient by the Tribunal, to be inflicted with punishment for violation of or disobedience to any order of the Tribunal in relation to or arising out of any order passed under the Act and/or Rules."
Previously, on May 22, the ICT-1 published the amended rules of procedure, which allow the investigation officer or a designated prosecutor to arrest any accused or suspect during a case investigation. Rule-6 of the amended rules states, "If the investigation officer has reason to believe that any offence has been committed, he shall proceed in person to the spot, investigate the facts and circumstances of the case and may arrest the accused(s)/suspected persons and make necessary discovery. The investigation officer may also seek assistance from the law enforcing agency in causing arrest, discovery and seizure."
Prosecutor Tamim emphasized that arrestees must be presented before the tribunal or any magistrate within 24 hours of the arrest. Rule-24 further specifies that a Judicial Magistrate of the first class can record any witness statement upon petition by a member of the Investigation Agency.
The rules also empower the ICT chief prosecutor to bring multiple accused under trial simultaneously or to try them separately. If multiple allegations are proven against a single accused, the chief prosecutor may try these allegations concurrently by filing a formal charge.
Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim welcomed the amendment, expressing confidence that it will elevate the tribunal to a more international standard.