ICT Prosecution Uses UN Report in Hasina Case

Chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam explained that the probe reports are nearing completion, but additional time is needed to incorporate relevant information from the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report on the July-August mass uprising. "We are in the process of adding these findings to the investigation reports. While we are making progress, we require more time to ensure everything is accurate," Tajul said during the hearing.

Tajul also highlighted that public hearings are being conducted to gather testimonies from victims at various private universities in the capital, and evidence is being collected from local hospitals. "We need time to verify this information, perform forensic tests, and ensure the integrity of our findings. We are committed to submitting flawless reports, as we would be accountable to the nation if we failed," he added.

The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, granted the prosecution's request for additional time, setting April 20 as the new deadline for submitting the probe reports.

In a press briefing following the hearing, Tajul emphasized the importance of the UN's findings, which accuse Sheikh Hasina and her allies of orchestrating pre-planned crimes during the uprising. The report also implicates key figures in the Awami League, Chhatra League, Jubo League, and law enforcement in the atrocities. "We need to integrate these findings into our investigation to strengthen the case," Tajul said.

During the hearing, 16 individuals, including 11 former ministers from Hasina's government, were presented before the ICT. The accused include prominent figures such as Anisul Huq, Amir Hossain Amu, Shajahan Khan, Dipu Moni, Dr. Abdur Razzaque, Rashed Khan Menon, and several others. Senior lawyer ZI Khan Panna also filed a wakalatnama to represent the accused in the cases.