ICT issues arrest warrant against Hasina, 45 others over crimes against humanity

         Sheikh Hasina. | File photo

Bangladesh desk:  The reconstituted International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on its maiden day, issued warrants to arrest ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others on the charges of crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising.

The three-judge tribunal led by its Chairman Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar passed the separate orders, allowing two pleas of the prosecution today.

“The tribunal passed the orders, asking to arrest and subsequently produce them before the court by November 18,” ICT Chief Prosecutor Advocate Mohammad Tajul Islam said.

The 45 other accused, who have been asked to be arrested, include Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Obaidul Quader, Anisul Huq, AKM Mozammel Haque, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Hasan Mahmud and Zunaid Ahmed Palak.

“We filed two separate petitions. In one petition, we pleaded to issue arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina. In the other petition, we pleaded to issue arrest warrant against 45, including Obaidul Quader. The tribunal allowed our two petitions,” Advocate Tajul Islam added.

The chief prosecutor in his introductory statement, drew the tribunal’s attention on alleged crimes against humanity committed by the past Awami League government, including Shapla Chattar massacre, Pilkhana carnage, extrajudicial killings by RAB and genocides during the student-led July-August mass uprising.

The government on October 14 reconstituted the ICT with the appointment of three judges. The chairman of the three-judge panel is Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, while two members are- Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired District and Sessions Judge Md Mohitul Haq Enam Chowdhury.

As of October 15, the tribunal has received 39 complaints accusing Sheikh Hasina, her cabinet members, and associates of genocide and crimes against humanity linked to the killings and enforced disappearances during the July-August uprising under the Awami League regime.

Further criminal cases, particularly those related to the student-led mass protests, have been filed following Hasina’s resignation and subsequent escape to India on August 5.

The tribunal is also handling over 26 cases related to atrocities committed during the 1971 War of Independence, initiated under the previous Awami League government.