The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tazul Islam, has expressed hope that the genocide investigation report against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be submitted by March.
He stated that the investigation report on crimes against humanity committed during the anti-discrimination student movement, particularly the genocide allegations against Sheikh Hasina, could be ready by next month. However, he clarified that this is not a final timeline.
Court Proceedings
On Tuesday (February 18), following hearings in two cases, the Chief Prosecutor shared this information in response to journalists' questions.
Earlier, the International Crimes Tribunal had granted an additional two months for submitting the investigation report regarding Sheikh Hasina and others. The next hearing has been scheduled for April 20.
Tazul Islam stated:
He also mentioned that they expect to include United Nations reports in the investigation.
"We have requested the UN report materials and are in the process of collecting them. Whatever we obtain will be incorporated into the investigation report as crucial evidence to prove the case. That is why we sought an additional two months. The court has set April 20 as the next date, but we hope to submit the report before then."
The Chief Prosecutor added:
Legal Amendments and Context
The International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973, was originally enacted to prosecute crimes against humanity during the Liberation War. However, following the political shift on August 5, the law was brought back into discussion and significantly amended.
The tribunal’s main building has also been renovated to facilitate trials.
On November 24, the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024, was enacted, modifying the 1973 law.
Who Will Face Trial?
Under the amended law, those accused of genocide during the anti-discrimination student movement will be prosecuted.
Along with Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power and fled the country amid protests, others facing trial include:
Her cabinet members
Advisors
Top leaders of the 14-party alliance
Former secretaries
Former Supreme Court justices
High-ranking police officials
Other influential figures
The amended ordinance has been applied retroactively from January 6, 2009.
For the first time, enforced disappearances (forced abductions) have also been brought under legal jurisdiction, although political parties themselves are not being prosecuted.
Current Status of Cases
So far, the prosecution has filed separate cases against approximately 46 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina.
