International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has said substantial financial investments have been made to disrupt the ongoing trial regarding the mass killings and crimes against humanity committed during the July-August movement, report agencies.
"We have received specific information about a large sum of money being invested by the fallen government to derail the ongoing trial regarding the mass killings committed during the July-August period. At the same time, the individuals behind the scenes have been identified," Tajul said in a statement to the media on Thursday.
Mohammad Tajul Islam
He, however, did not provide further details regarding the nature or source of the investments.
The tribunal, established to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in 1971, is currently handling cases related to mass killings and other crimes against humanity that occurred during the July-August period.
Since the political shift on August 5, 23 cases have been filed. An arrest warrant has been issued for 141 individuals, including the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Among the accused, 72 are politicians, judges, and civil servants, while 62 are police officers, and 9 are retired or dismissed military officers. Nearly 300 allegations have been submitted to the tribunal to date.
Despite the increasing number of cases, opposition to the tribunal has intensified, with numerous attempts to disrupt the trial, said Tajul.
The official trial for the July-August mass killings is expected to begin later this month. Meanwhile, the investigation into the case involving the six bodies burned after being killed in Ashulia has been completed.
The chief prosecutor said action will be taken against the conspirators in due course. Earlier on Wednesday, Tajul said the prosecution received the draft probe report of a case filed against Sheikh Hasina over the July-August mass killing.
He said a formal charge will be filed once they receive the final report.
On March 27, the chief prosecutor said they received the draft of the probe report in the case filed over the Chankharpul crimes against humanity as five people were shot dead there on August 5.
This report will be submitted to the tribunal soon, he added.
ICT Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim said so far more than 300 complaints have been filed with the ICT's prosecution on charges of murders and mass killings carried out to suppress the student movement in July-August as well as enforced disappearances and various crimes against humanity that took place in the last 15 years.
© 2025 - All Rights with The Financial Express
