Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said that the investigation report regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s involvement in crimes committed during the July-August anti-discrimination movement could be submitted by March.
However, he clarified that this is not a final timeline.
He made the statement on Tuesday (February 18) following hearings in two related cases.
Earlier, the International Crimes Tribunal had granted an additional two months for submitting the investigation report on the absconding Hasina and other relevant individuals. The next hearing is scheduled for April 20.
The Chief Prosecutor said that the current status of the investigation has been presented to the court, and the team hopes to submit the report on Sheikh Hasina's case by next month, although the timeline is not definitive.
He said that the United Nations report, which is expected to play a significant role as key evidence, will be included in the investigation. The prosecution has requested access to the relevant materials from the UN, and the process of collecting these is ongoing.
The International Crimes Tribunal, established under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act of 1973, was responsible for prosecuting individuals accused of crimes against humanity during the Liberation War. The law was amended on August 5, and significant changes were made to it, including the renovation of the tribunal's building.
On November 24, 2024, the law was further amended, and the new ordinance now includes cases related to mass killings during the July-August anti-discrimination student protests. Among the accused is the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country in the wake of the student movement. Other prominent figures facing trial include former cabinet members, advisors, top leaders of the 14-party alliance, former bureaucrats, Supreme Court justices, and senior police officers.
The revised ordinance, which applies to cases dating back to January 6, 2009, also includes the first-ever trials related to forced disappearances, although party-related cases are not covered. Prosecution has filed separate cases against nearly 46 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina.
BDST: 1646 HRS, FEB 18, 2025
MSK
