The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has found preliminary evidence linking the Awami League, as an organisation, to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising, Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said on Tuesday.
Speaking to the TIMES of Bangladesh, the chief prosecutor confirmed that the investigation into the party’s role is currently underway.
“The investigation began precisely because there was preliminary evidence of the Awami League’s involvement,” Aminul Islam said, adding that the probe is examining the party’s organisational involvement, individual accountability, and the issue of superior responsibility.
During a briefing at his office earlier on Sunday, the chief prosecutor outlined the possible legal consequences for the party.
He noted that if the allegations are proven, the current legal framework of the International Crimes Tribunal allows for the banning of the organisation and the confiscation of its assets.
The investigation follows strong remarks from Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, who spoke at the July National Conference at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka on 4 July.
The minister declared that the Awami League has faced a total political downfall and asserted that the party would never be allowed to practice politics in Bangladesh again.
The home minister further emphasised that there is a widespread demand for the Awami League to face trial as a political entity.
“The investigation is ongoing, and they will soon be brought to justice in accordance with the law,” Salahuddin Ahmed told the conference.
Following the minister’s statement, the chief prosecutor provided a detailed explanation of the investigation’s progress and the existing legal structure governing such trials.
