AL Beneficiaries Disrupting July Uprising Trials: Tajul

DHAKA, April 12, 2025 – Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Muhammad Tajul Islam, has alleged that individuals who benefitted during the Awami League’s rule are actively attempting to obstruct the investigation and trial process of crimes committed during the July-August 2024 uprising.

"A coordinated disinformation campaign is being spread through social media targeting the ICT, while fugitive beneficiaries of the fallen fascist regime are financing efforts to derail the justice process," Tajul said during a media briefing at his office on Thursday.

He added that several of these individuals, loyal to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are trying to mislead the public and undermine the tribunal’s credibility, especially among families of the martyrs.

According to the prosecution, a British law firm—Doughty Street Chambers—has been hired by the group to file counter-allegations against the interim government at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Tajul Islam emphasized, “Over 1,500 were martyred and around 25,000 injured during the July-August uprising. We have substantial evidence and are confident of upholding justice in line with international standards.”

So far, 339 complaints have been filed with the ICT regarding crimes against humanity during the 2024 uprising. Of these, 39 are under active investigation, while 22 have been formally accepted by the tribunal.

A total of 141 individuals have been accused—70 civilians, 62 police personnel, and 9 members of the armed forces. Fifty-four have been arrested, and arrest warrants have been issued for the remaining 87.

The prosecution team has collected testimony from over 1,000 witnesses and conducted fieldwork in 15 districts. They also visited six alleged secret detention centers—known as "Aynaghar"—in Dhaka, Bogura, and Chapainawabganj. Four public hearings were held with participation from more than 800 students, teachers, and locals.

Investigations in at least four cases are nearing completion, with reports expected soon. Meanwhile, amendments to the ICT’s procedural rules are likely within one to two weeks, Tajul added.

The ICT prosecution team currently comprises 17 prosecutors, while the investigation agency has 24 officers, all on deputation or contract from the Bangladesh Police.