The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has said more time will be needed to complete the investigation into allegations of crimes against humanity against the Awami League, whose political activities have been banned.
It said no specific timeframe could yet be given for completing the nationwide collection and examination of evidence and submitting the investigation report.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim made the remarks at a briefing on the tribunal premises on 14 October, marking the second anniversary of its reconstitution.
Tamim said the investigation had not stalled, with the investigating officer gathering evidence of alleged crimes from districts and upazilas across the country, as well as various branches and sub-branches of the party.
Describing the prosecution of a political party as an entity as unprecedented in Bangladesh, he said the investigating officer was working with the prosecution’s assistance and advice.
Collecting evidence of alleged crimes committed at different times across the country made it difficult to set a deadline for submitting the investigation report, he added.
Tamim said proceedings in 70 cases were under way at various stages before the two tribunals, while the prosecution and investigation agency had jointly received around 700 complaints.
On 7 October 2025, then Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam announced the formal launch of the investigation against the Awami League as a political party.
Tamim also said on 4 October that the investigation was continuing and had not stalled.
Meanwhile, witness testimony in several high-profile crimes against humanity cases involving arrested former ministers Kamrul Islam, Rashed Khan Menon and Anisul Huq is expected to conclude by December.
Tamim expressed satisfaction with the progress of these cases, saying defence testimony and closing arguments would follow the completion of prosecution witness examinations.
The tribunal would then determine the schedule for subsequent proceedings.
Explaining the time required for investigations and trials, Tamim said the tribunals’ infrastructure and operations had to be rebuilt following the change of government in 2024, causing delays in the judicial process.
He said a trial typically took seven to eight months to complete, although investigation periods varied depending on the case.
The prosecution has also received investigation reports in cases against several arrested former ministers and advisers, Tamim said.
Formal charges have yet to be filed against them, although their preparation is nearing completion. The charges will be submitted once approved by the chief prosecutor.
Responding to criticism over the pace of trials, Tamim said the prosecution was following statutory timelines and legal procedures while ensuring both sides had adequate opportunities to present their arguments.
