Dhaka: The renovation of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) building, established for conducting trials related to genocide and crimes against humanity during the July-August student-people mass uprising, is nearing completion. This significant update was shared by the Chief Prosecutor of the ICT, Mohammad Tajul Islam, who highlighted that the building is being renovated to meet international standards, transforming what was once a dilapidated structure into a remarkable edifice.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the renovation activities are progressing rapidly, with workers engaged in refurbishing the historic white tribunal building, formerly known as the old High Court Bhaban. The Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser, Dr. Asif Nazrul, along with Housing and Public Works Adviser, Adilur Rahman Khan, have both inspected the renovation efforts on two occasions, witnessing the transformation firsthand.
Currently, trials at the ICT are temporarily being conducted in an adjacent court d
ue to the ongoing renovations. The ICT was restructured on October 14, with High Court Judge Md. Golam Mortuza Mozumder appointed as the new chairman. The tribunal’s panel also includes Justice Md. Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired District and Sessions Judge Md. Mohitul Haq Anam Chowdhury.
The government has previously established the ICT prosecution team, appointing a chief prosecutor, prosecutors, and an investigation agency to facilitate the trials. The tribunal officially commenced trial proceedings by issuing arrest warrants for 46 individuals, including the ousted Sheikh Hasina, on October 17. Sheikh Hasina had fled the country on August 5 amid the mass uprising, marking the end of her party’s sixteen-year governance.
The prosecution team members have accused the Awami League government, along with its supportive administration and sections of law enforcement agencies, of committing genocide and crimes against humanity. The ICT has summoned 10 former ministers of the Awami League government, two forme
r advisers, a retired justice, and a former secretary to appear before the tribunal on November 18, following their arrests related to the charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Additionally, the ICT has issued arrest warrants for 17 police officers, with a scheduled appearance before the tribunal set for November 20. Two former police officers, who were apprehended and presented before the tribunal, have been remanded to custody.