Chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tajul Islam on Wednesday reaffirmed that the nation and its leadership were resolute in their commitment to ensuring justice for heinous crimes, including crimes against humanity, committed during the past 16 years under the Awami League regime.
Addressing journalists at the tribunal compound to mark the New Year, Tajul said, ‘We are determined to make 2025 a historic milestone by concluding trials of major offenders and ensuring justice prevails in the year. This collective effort is critical for national healing and progress,’ he said.
He said, ‘Ensuring fair, just, and comprehensive trials for crimes such as genocide, persecution, torture, and oppression is our foremost priority. Both the state and its citizens demand accountability.’
Tajul expressed optimism that 2025 would be a landmark year for justice.
Tajul highlighted the significance of recent events, saying, ‘A new dawn has risen in the country through the student-led mass uprising, enabling us to start the year free from autocracy.’
He acknowledged the immense expectations placed on the tribunal and stressed the importance of addressing crimes that had gone unpunished for years.
The tribunal initiated proceedings in two cases against deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others, including top Awami League leaders and top law enforcers of her regime for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising.
Besides the two cases, Hasina faces over fifty crimes against humanity cases, including massacre in then Bangladesh Rifles, enforced disappearances and Shapla Chattar mayhem during Hefazat-e-Islami Bangladesh’ rallies.
To strengthen the tribunal’s efforts, the law ministry appointed four new prosecutors– M Abdus Sobhan Tarafder, M Shahidul Islam Sardar, Faruk Ahammad, and M Hasanul Banna.
With these additions, the total number of prosecutors now stands at 14, under the leadership of Tajul.
Additionally, Toby Cadman, a renowned human rights lawyer, has been serving as a special prosecutorial adviser to the chief prosecutor, further bolstering the tribunal’s capacity to conduct trials effectively.
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