The interim government has issued International Crimes (Tribunals) (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, with a new provision of disqualifying any person formally charged under the law from holding or contesting public office.
The law ministry issued the ordinance on Monday night.
“Whereas Parliament stands dissolved, and it appears to the President that circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action; now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of Article 93 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the President is pleased to make and promulgate the following Ordinance,” it reads.
According to the newly inserted Section 20C, individuals facing formal charges will be barred from being elected or serving as members of parliament, as well as from holding positions in local government bodies — including posts such as chairman, mayor, commissioner, or administrator.
The provision pointed out that such accused persons will also be ineligible for appointment to any government service or other public office until the charges are resolved.
However, the amendment provides an exception: the disqualification will not apply to individuals who are later discharged or acquitted by the International Crimes Tribunal.
In September, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told journalist that the Advisory Council at its 41st meeting gave the final approval to the draft of the “International Crimes (Tribunals) (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2025” that incorporated the new section.
