Formal charges will be filed against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday, for crimes against humanity related to the July-August mass-murder.
The charges will be submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal.
On Saturday, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said this at a discussion titled “Immediately Try Those Involved in Enforced Disappearances,” organized by the private human rights organization ‘Odhikar’ at the National Press Club on the occasion of International Enforced Disappearance Week.
The chief prosecutor said significant progress in the trial would be seen by December. He said they are committed to advancing the trial process. The trial is moving forward in full swing, but a reasonable time is needed to complete the investigation.
He mentioned that investigations into 10 to 15 notable enforced disappearance cases have been completed, and reports will be available by June.
He also said that the International Crimes Tribunal has broadly identified the structure of the crimes and the perpetrators. However, there have been some obstacles in arresting those involved in enforced disappearances.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure arrests. They are careful to maintain international standards, protect human rights, and prevent injustice under the guise of justice, which has happened in the past.
Earlier, on May 12, the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted an investigation report accusing Sheikh Hasina of crimes against humanity related to the July-August mass-murder.
The report was submitted to the Chief Prosecutor’s office by the investigation agency officials. The report named Sheikh Hasina as the mastermind behind the July mass-murder.
On February 18, the tribunal ordered that the investigation against Sheikh Hasina in the case filed for crimes against humanity related to the July-August mass-murder be completed by April 20.
The three-member tribunal, led by International Crimes Tribunal Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, gave this order. The order was given following the prosecution’s time application. Additional Chief Prosecutor Mizanul Islam represented the prosecution during the tribunal hearing.
On December 17 last year, in two cases filed for crimes against humanity related to the July-August mass-murder, the tribunal ordered the investigation against Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader, and 44 others to be completed within two months.