The prosecution is set to begin the process of confiscating the assets of convicts and recovering fines imposed by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Aminul Islam said on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists at his office, Aminul Islam said the tribunal has so far sentenced 16 people to death, most of whom are fugitives.
He said the sentences cannot be carried out unless the convicts are arrested, surrender or are brought back to the country.
However, he said the enforcement of financial penalties and asset confiscation orders does not require the convicts to be in custody.
“We will begin the process of recovering financial penalties imposed on those who have already been convicted within a few days,” he said.
The chief prosecutor said the prosecution is working on ways to implement asset confiscation orders and recover fines ranging from Tk1 lakh to Tk2 lakh from convicted individuals, even if they remain absconding.
He said the ICT has never before confiscated the assets of convicted individuals and distributed proceeds from their sale among victims’ families.
The prosecution now wants to initiate the process after reviewing relevant laws, he added.
Aminul Islam, however, acknowledged legal challenges in carrying out the move. He said the ICT’s Rules of Procedure do not have specific provisions on the confiscation and sale of assets. The government is examining whether other existing laws can be applied to complete the process, he said.
July uprising cases to be completed within a year
The prosecution is working to complete the trials of cases filed over the July uprising before the ICT within a year, Aminul Islam said.
He said the tribunal has so far concluded six cases, including three before he took charge and three after assuming office.
“Completing the trials of six cases within one to one-and-a-half years was achieved in a very short time while maintaining transparency, neutrality and international standards,” he said.
However, he cautioned that an attempt to speed up the process further could raise questions among the public about the fairness of the trials.
“If trials are completed even faster, questions may arise among people regarding the process,” he said, adding that the proceedings are moving at a normal pace while maintaining transparency.
Aminul Islam said investigations into cases related to the July uprising are being expedited, with the aim of completing all trials within a year.
He also referred to more than 3,000 alleged crossfire incidents across the country, saying investigation reports into many of the cases filed over those incidents have already been prepared.
Tribunal bars broadcast of Hasina’s ‘hateful’ statements
Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam said the ICT has imposed restrictions on broadcasting statements made by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death in a July uprising-related case and remains absconding.
Responding to a question on whether Sheikh Hasina’s speech in India on 5 August could be broadcast in Bangladesh, he said the tribunal’s order prohibits the airing of any “hateful” statements made by her.
“The tribunal’s order regarding Sheikh Hasina’s statements is that hateful speech cannot be broadcast,” he said.
He added that broadcasting hateful statements is not permitted under either domestic or international law.
However, he clarified that there is no restriction on her ordinary remarks or statements.
