The International Crimes Tribunal-2 has set 21 July as the deadline for submitting the investigation report in a crimes against humanity case against former army officer Lieutenant General (retd) Masud Uddin Chowdhury, a key figure associated with the 2007-2008 caretaker government regime.
The tribunal issued the order on Sunday, following a hearing where the prosecution sought time to complete the investigation.
Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam told journalists that the investigation agency had interrogated Masud Uddin for one day at a safe home on 7 May and again on 9 May.
“He provided several pieces of information. We are verifying those. If necessary, there is an opportunity to interrogate him for two more days. Further interrogation may be required,” Islam said.
When asked about Masud Uddin’s role during the 1/11 regime, the chief prosecutor said, “During the time of the 1/11 government, Masud Uddin and several others were called the ‘de facto government.’ They used to run the entire government.”
He alleged that Masud Uddin was the main protagonist behind the inhumane incidents and crimes against humanity that occurred during that period.
The chief prosecutor further claimed that the former army officer has involvement in many activities of “fascist Sheikh Hasina”, including the 1/11 regime.
“We have also received allegations against him regarding the suppression of the July-August movement. These matters are emerging in the investigation,” he said.
“Once we receive the report, we will be able to provide details about all the incidents. Moreover, we will make him an accused in any crimes against humanity in which he is found to be involved,” Islam added.
The controversial former general was arrested on the night of 23 March from his home in the Baridhara DOHS area of the capital.
On 11 January 2007, when the army-backed caretaker government took office, Masud Uddin was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 9th Infantry Division of the Bangladesh Army. He was promoted from Major General to Lieutenant General later that same year.
He was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Feni-3 constituency in the 2018 national election on a Jatiya Party nomination and was re-elected from the same constituency in the 2024 election.
