Dhaka, May 23, (V7N) – The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has amended its Rules of Procedure, granting investigating officers the authority to arrest individuals accused or suspected of committing crimes against humanity. The updated rules also empower law enforcement agencies, investigators, and prosecutors to execute arrest warrants issued by the Tribunal.

A notification announcing the revisions was issued on Thursday (May 22) by the Tribunal’s Registrar ASM Ruhul Imran, following an order from Tribunal Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder and Members M Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury and Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud.

The 2010 Rules of Procedure have undergone significant changes, with 24 rules amended—five repealed entirely and 19 either partially or completely replaced.

Rule 6, now replaced, allows an Investigating Officer to visit the crime scene, investigate, arrest suspects, and conduct searches if there is reason to believe a crime has been committed. The officer may also seek assistance from law enforcement agencies.

A new version of Rule 9(1) authorizes law enforcement personnel, investigating officers, and prosecutors to execute arrest warrants under Section 8(2) of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act.

The amended rules also include organizations as potential accused parties, alongside individuals.

The Chief Prosecutor has been granted enhanced authority to file formal complaints.

According to the Tribunal's announcement, the amended International Crimes Tribunal-1 Rules of Procedure, 2010 have come into immediate effect.

These changes are expected to streamline investigations and improve the legal framework for prosecuting crimes related to the 1971 Liberation War and other crimes against humanity within the Tribunal’s jurisdiction.

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