Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman informed the Parliament that the government is committed to ensuring that only actual perpetrators of crimes against humanity are prosecuted at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), ruling out any possibility of political harassment.
The minister made these remarks during a question-and-answer session on the 20th day of the budget session of the 13th National Parliament, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
Responding to a query from reserved women’s seat lawmaker Shawkat Ara Akter, the minister said that the government has appointed 44 “state defense lawyers” in 17 cases to represent 44 fugitive accused, ensuring their right to a fair trial under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Rules of Procedure, 2010.
He further noted that the International Crimes Tribunal-1 and 2 have been reconstituted to expedite trials concerning enforced disappearances, murders, and crimes against humanity committed during July and August 2024.
Current proceedings at these tribunals are being conducted regularly.
To align the process with international standards, the “International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Act, 2026” has been passed.
This new legislation allows international human rights organisations, including the United Nations, to monitor trial proceedings. It also introduces provisions for virtual hearings, the submission of digital evidence, and enhanced witness protection.
Additionally, the tribunal has been empowered to confiscate the assets of accused persons to prevent them from evading justice by remaining absconding.
Regarding concerns about potential harassment of political opponents in cases filed after 5 August, the law minister assured the Parliament that the government is determined to identify the real culprits through fair and impartial investigations.
More judges to be appointed to ease court backlog
In response to another question from MP Mahfuza Hannan, Law Minister Asaduzzaman announced plans to appoint a necessary number of judges to both the higher and subordinate courts to reduce the mounting case backlog.
Providing a breakdown of the current judiciary, the minister said that 5 judges are currently serving in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, while 101 judges are serving in the High Court Division.
In the subordinate courts, there are 1,964 judges currently working against 2,620 sanctioned posts.
To fill these vacancies, the Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission (BJSC) is in the process of recruiting 500 new civil judges. This includes 150 judges through the 18th BJS exam (written exams already held), 150 through the 19th BJS, and 200 through the 20th BJS.
Prioritising old cases
The government has taken effective steps to identify and prioritise the disposal of cases pending for more than five years, the Asaduzzaman told Parliament.
In response to a question from reserved women’s seat lawmaker Sabikunnahar, the minister said the Law and Justice Division has taken measures to ensure faster disposal of cases involving long-pending prisoners.
He said magistrates are regularly monitoring investigation activities in criminal cases, including crime scene visits, collection and preservation of evidence, recording witness statements, and obtaining forensic and expert reports to ensure timely completion of investigations.
Furthermore, directions have been issued through district law and order meetings and police-magistracy conferences to expedite cases involving long-term detainees.
