Dhaka: The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has so far received a total of 80 complaints alleging genocide, crimes against humanity, and murder in connection with the recent student movement.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, ICT prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim revealed that the complaints also involve crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances over the last 15 years, and the genocide that occurred in Shapla Chattar on May 5, 2013. Allegations continue to pour into the ICT prosecution wing daily, with some also being directed to the ICT’s investigating agency regarding similar issues.
The complaints predominantly target top leaders and officials of the ousted government, including members of law enforcement, who were allegedly involved in efforts to dismantle the anti-government student and public movement during the last July-August period. In response to these allegations, the interim government reconstituted the ICT on October 14, appointing High Court Judge Golam M
ortuza Majumder as chairman, alongside High Court Judge Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired district and sessions judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members.
The government had previously appointed the tribunal’s prosecutors, led by senior Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Md Tajul Islam. The newly formed ICT commenced its operations by issuing arrest warrants against 46 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on October 17 for their alleged roles in crimes against humanity.
Furthermore, on October 27, the ICT directed the relevant authorities to present 14 accused individuals, among them 10 former ministers, two advisers, one judge, and a secretary, before the tribunal on November 18. Subsequently, the ICT issued arrest warrants for 17 police officers, instructing their production before the tribunal on November 20. To date, two of these officers have been apprehended and presented before the tribunal.