Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Md Aminul Islam has said there is scope for taking necessary action against the Awami League (AL) if an investigation finds prima facie evidence implicating the party, reports agencies.
Responding to questions from journalists at his office in the capital on Sunday, he said a written complaint filed by the head of a political party had been formally forwarded to the tribunal's investigation agency for inquiry.
"The investigation agency is currently probing the allegation. If the investigation uncovers prima facie evidence against the Awami League as an organisation, there is scope for taking the necessary action based on the investigation report," he said.
If an organisation is convicted under either law, the government may issue a gazette notification declaring it a banned organisation, while its assets may be seized by the state alongside criminal penalties for those found individually responsible, he said.
Aminul noted that the legal provisions now being invoked were introduced or strengthened under successive Awami League governments.
The International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, enacted in 1973, was amended in 2013 to bring 'organisations' within its scope.
The Anti-Terrorism Act was passed in 2009, while Article 47 of the Constitution was amended in 2011 during the party's rule.
He also pointed out that the Awami League itself relied on Section 18 of the Anti-Terrorism Act to ban Jamaat-e-Islami on Aug 1, 2024.
Rejecting suggestions that the legislation was politically motivated, Aminul argued that a law cannot be deemed invalid simply because of how it is later applied.
He said the offence lies in abusing or violating the law, not in the law itself.
The chief prosecutor levelled a series of allegations against the Awami League, claiming it dismantled democratic institutions, curtailed political freedoms and undermined electoral integrity during its years in power
Replying to another question, the chief prosecutor said multiple cases against Sheikh Hasina are
currently pending before the tribunal, while investigation reports in several other cases are yet to
be submitted.
He said Sheikh Hasina could face trial in a number of cases, including one over Shapla Chattar
crackdown.
Referring to another case in which she has already been convicted, Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said she should return to the country and face the judicial process.
