Dhaka: The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Muhammad Tajul Islam, announced today that the government has made an initial decision to establish a second tribunal. This new tribunal will focus on the hearings of cases related to genocide and crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the establishment of a second tribunal aims to accelerate the ongoing trial process, which is currently being conducted by a single tribunal. “Now trial is going on in one tribunal. If another tribunal is established, the trial process will be expedited,” Tajul Islam explained.
The ICT is currently managing 22 miscellaneous cases and its investigation agency is examining 39 allegations. Since its inception, the ICT has received 339 allegations. Of these, 39 cases are under active investigation by the probe body, and 22 miscellaneous cases have been filed against 141 individuals.
Tajul Islam further elaborated that out of the 141 accused, 54 have been apprehended while 87 remain at large. The breakdown of the accused includes 70 civilians, 62 police officers, and nine members from various military forces. The ICT has recorded statements from more than 1,000 individuals and has accumulated digital evidence, including over 1,000 video clippings, to aid in the trials.