Dhaka: The government has introduced an amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, incorporating new provisions to hold political parties, associate bodies, or groups accountable for crimes under its jurisdiction. This amendment, known as the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, became effective immediately upon its issuance on May 10.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a gazette notification from the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division announced the inclusion of a new clause (bbb) after clause (bb) of section 2 in the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act of 1973. This clause defines 'organisation' to encompass any political party or affiliated entity that, in the Tribunal's opinion, engages in activities propagating or supporting such a party.
Additionally, the amendment introduces section 20B after 20A of the Act, detailing punishments for organisations. The Tribunal now has the authority to suspend or prohibit activities, ban organisations, revoke registrations or licenses, and confiscate properties if an organisation is found guilty of crimes under sub-section (2) of section 3 of the Act.
The amendment follows a previous revision on February 10, which aimed to update the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, through the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, to bolster the tribunal's effectiveness.
The prosecution of the ICT has welcomed the amendment, viewing it as a necessary step. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim expressed gratitude to the government, stating that trying organisations or individuals under an internationally recognized standard would be more acceptable to the public.