Prosecutors will file formal charges against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday in a case involving crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising.
ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam disclosed the development on Saturday at a discussion titled “Immediate Trial of Persons Involved in Enforced Disappearances”, organised by human rights group Adhikar at the National Press Club, reports BSS.
Holding Hasina responsible for ‘Aynaghar’ (a secret prison) operations and enforced disappearances, Tajul stated that “significant progress in her trials will be visible by December.”
“We are firmly committed to advancing the trials; investigations are progressing swiftly,” he said. “But a reasonable amount of time is needed to complete them.”
Investigators have already finalised 10–15 important cases, with charges to be submitted to the ICT by June. Tajul emphasised that proceedings adhere to international standards saying, “We have been taking maximum precautions regarding the trial of these cases and are maintaining international standard,” he said, while adding, “we are very much careful so that no injustice takes place in the name of ICT trials that had occurred earlier.”
Charges will also be filed against former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
On May 12, the tribunal’s Investigation Agency reported Hasina of orchestrating crimes against humanity during the July uprising, including mass shootings, body burnings, and denial of medical care. “She gave orders as the superior commander,” Tajul said.
The ousted prime minister faces two additional ICT cases: one for enforced disappearances during her 15-year rule, and another for the 2013 Shapla Chattar killings.