The prosecution of International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has launched investigations into more than 100 allegations of enforced disappearances that reportedly occurred during the tenure of the Awami League government, Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters at his office, Aminul Islam stated that cases related to enforced disappearances have been given top priority.
“We have already taken up over a hundred allegations of enforced disappearances. Officials from our investigation agency have been assigned and have begun their work,” he said.
He noted that investigations require extensive fieldwork across the country. “These incidents did not occur in a single location. Our teams often have to travel outside Dhaka to different areas, despite our limited manpower,” he added.
The chief prosecutor emphasised that the ICT is committed to investigating and prosecuting all instances of crimes against humanity in Bangladesh.
“Through this judicial process, we aim to establish a precedent so that such incidents do not recur in the future,” he said.
In addition to disappearance cases, the prosecution is also collecting information on alleged crossfire incidents nationwide.
“We are examining which of these incidents fall within the jurisdiction of the tribunal and can be brought under investigation or trial,” Aminul Islam said.
Currently, trials are ongoing in 22 cases across two tribunals, all at the stage of witness testimony.
Investigation reports in around 30 cases are expected to be submitted soon. In addition, more than 450 allegations are pending, with investigation activities set to begin shortly.
According to the chief prosecutor, the ICT prosecution team comprises 16 prosecutors, while 24 officials are working within the investigation agency.
