Dhaka, Oct 12 (V7N) – Tajul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), has said that crimes against humanity — including disappearances, murders, and torture — can only be prosecuted under the International Crimes Tribunal Act.

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters during a break in the presentation of arguments in the case against Sheikh Hasina and three others at the tribunal on Sunday (October 12).

Tajul Islam stated that the ICT Act is constitutionally protected, and the arrest warrant issued by the tribunal has reached the relevant authorities in due time. “Although media reports suggest that 15 soldiers are in custody, the authorities have not received any official confirmation,” he added.

During the day’s hearing, the prosecution presented a comprehensive account of the misrule under the Awami League government, referring to post-independence events, including the formation of BAKSAL, the 1974 famine, and subsequent incidents.

The Chief Prosecutor also described widespread abductions, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture allegedly carried out during the Awami League’s rule. “People were brutally tortured and killed after abduction. In some cases, victims were thrown onto railway tracks to stage mock accidents. Those who survived were falsely implicated in anti-terrorism cases,” he said, adding that the investigation agency has secured evidence of these atrocities.

Tajul Islam further observed that there should be a constitutional provision to hold judges accountable for arbitrary actions taken in the name of justice.

END/SMA/AJ