International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam on Sunday revealed that criminal activity has intensified following the launch of investigations into enforced disappearances of 251 people during the tenure of fallen Awami League regime.
Treating these disappearances as crimes against humanity, Aminul urged the government and law enforcement agencies to remain highly vigilant regarding the safety of victim families, witnesses, and individuals associated with the judicial process.
Addressing journalists at his office on Sunday, following a meeting with the family members of 55 victims of enforced disappearance, Aminul noted that the investigation has gained significant momentum, with families of the victims providing their depositions one by one.
Consequently, their security has been prioritised.
Threat of sabotage, attacks
When asked whether the victims’ families face being targeted, the Chief Prosecutor emphasised that the authorities remain alert. “There is no reason to consider criminals as friends. They can strike us at any time in their own way,” he warned.
He added that precautions are being taken to ensure that suspects and those whose activities are under watch cannot cause disruptions across the country or within the Tribunal’s vicinity.
Aminul stressed the necessity of providing full security during the transportation of the accused, as well as to family members testifying or travelling to testify. An application has already been submitted to the government regarding this matter.
“We are working with utmost caution to ensure our investigation is not disrupted, obstructed, or subjected to any form of sabotage,” he said, adding that victim families have also been advised to remain cautious.
‘Widespread and systematic attack’
Explaining the decision to classify the disappearances as crimes against humanity, Aminul added that the prosecution has identified these incidents as a “widespread and systematic attack.”
He pointed out that the cases share notable similarities, claiming that the involvement of the same individuals has repeatedly surfaced in the cases of the 251 disappeared persons who remain missing.
Describing those involved in the disappearances as “extremely powerful and miscreants,” the Chief Prosecutor maintained that both the prosecution and victim families must remain vigilant given this reality.
Nonetheless, he expressed his firm resolve to expedite the investigations and bring the accused to trial swiftly.
On the legislative front, Aminul highlighted that a new law, titled the “Disappearance Prevention and Redress Act,” is set to be enacted. He described the upcoming legislation as highly timely and anticipated that it would lend fresh momentum to the trial of disappearances across the country.
Suspicious suspect movements
Regarding the prosecution’s request for additional government assistance, the Chief Prosecutor stated that security at the Tribunal has already been increased, with deployed law enforcement personnel placed on high alert.
He revealed that the movements and activities of certain suspects have raised suspicion. “We have secret intelligence indicating that some individuals may attempt to carry out acts of sabotage or destruction,” he disclosed.
“We are conducting our operations after analysing this information and the current situation.”
Aminul warned that all activities inside and outside the Tribunal are under strict surveillance. He concluded by cautioning that any attempt to undermine or interfere with the judicial process would prove “suicidal” for the perpetrators.
