Dhaka, Jan 07 (V7N)— Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed inaugurated the main building and courtroom of the International Crimes Tribunal, renovated to conduct trials for the July-August 2024 genocide and crimes against humanity. The ceremony took place on Tuesday afternoon at the historic "Old High Court Building."

Present at the event were International Crimes Tribunal Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman, and Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam.

The Chief Justice expressed optimism about the tribunal's role in ensuring justice, stating, “This historic establishment, known as the 'Dhaka High Court' or the 'Old High Court Building,' will gain new significance by ensuring transparency, adherence to legal principles, and delivering justice for the genocide and crimes against humanity.”

He further highlighted the shared aspirations of citizens for the tribunal to bring accountability and justice, saying, “The expectations for this tribunal are rooted in the collective moral consciousness of the nation.”

The "Old High Court Building," originally inaugurated as the "Governor House" in 1905, served as the Dhaka High Court during the Pakistan era. Since 2010, it has housed the International Crimes Tribunal. However, due to structural risks, the tribunal was relocated to a temporary tin-shed facility adjacent to the building.

The tribunal's operations gained renewed focus following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, amid mass protests. The interim government prioritised the trial of the July-August genocide, initiating a comprehensive renovation of the tribunal's infrastructure to meet international standards.

Renovation work began in October under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Works. Legal Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul and Public Works Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan conducted multiple site inspections to oversee the progress. The newly refurbished building now boasts an aesthetic and functional design, as shared by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam on social media.

The International Crimes Tribunal is tasked with delivering justice for atrocities committed during the July-August 2024 period. The Chief Justice reiterated the importance of upholding the principles of justice, ensuring that the tribunal remains a beacon of accountability in the nation's judicial history.

The renovated tribunal stands as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to justice and is expected to set a precedent for fair and transparent trials in cases of crimes against humanity.

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