International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam on Sunday warned of possible sabotage as investigations into enforced disappearance cases have intensified, urging law enforcement agencies, the tribunal and victims’ families to remain vigilant.
He said the movements and activities of some accused persons appeared suspicious, while intelligence reports suggested they could be involved in sabotage or other subversive activities.
“There is also intelligence suggesting that they could be involved in some kind of sabotage or subversive activity,” he said at a press conference at his office in the afternoon.
He said security at the tribunal had already been strengthened and law enforcement personnel assigned there had been alerted.
The prosecution had begun investigating the enforced disappearance of 251 people during the Awami League government as crimes against humanity. Family members of the victims were also giving statements as part of the investigation.
Aminul said the prosecution had sought government assistance to ensure the safety of victims’ families and prevent attempts to disrupt the investigation.
He said the activities of some accused persons were being monitored to prevent them from harming anyone in the country, either inside or outside the tribunal, during the transportation of accused persons or among families who had given or were expected to give testimony.
Earlier on Sunday, family members of 55 victims of enforced disappearance had met with the chief prosecutor.
Aminul said the prosecution had classified the disappearances as a “widespread and systematic attack” because of similarities among the cases.
“Each incident has similarities with the others. That is why we have identified them as widespread and systematic and considered them crimes against humanity,” he said.
He said the involvement of the same individuals had repeatedly emerged in cases involving the 251 people who remained missing.
The chief prosecutor also said the activities of some alleged perpetrators tended to increase once investigations into disappearances began.
“For the sake of justice, law enforcement agencies need to remain more vigilant,” he said, adding that the movements of those facing trial before the tribunal should also be monitored.
He stressed the need to ensure the security of family members of those subjected to enforced disappearance.
“Our investigation into the enforced disappearance cases has become much more dynamic than before,” Aminul said. “Statements from the families of victims and the investigation process are also continuing.”
Asked whether victims’ families could become targets, he said the prosecution was alert to the possibility.
“We believe there is no reason to always consider criminals as friends. They can strike us at any time in their own way,” he said.
He said victims’ families had also been advised to remain cautious and that steps were being taken to ensure the investigation was not disrupted or obstructed.
Proposed law
On the proposed law on enforced disappearances, Aminul said a law titled the “Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Act” was being formulated.
“It is a very timely law,” he said, expressing hope that it would help accelerate the prosecution of enforced disappearance cases across the country.
Aminul described those involved in enforced disappearances as “very powerful and criminal elements” and urged the tribunal and victims’ families to remain vigilant.
He said the investigations would be completed quickly and the accused brought to trial.
Regarding concerns over possible sabotage, Aminul said the prosecution had taken note of a published report on the matter.
“All activities inside and outside the tribunal are being monitored,” he said.
He warned that any attempt at subversive activity would be “suicidal” for those involved.
“I want to make it clear that if anyone has such an evil thought or any other plan, it would be suicidal for them,” he said.