AL's beneficiaries trying to disrupt July uprising cases trial process: Tajul

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam has said some people who were beneficiary during the Awami League regime are continuously trying to disrupt the investigations and trial process of the cases filled for crimes against humanity during the July-August uprising.

"A coordinated disinformation campaign is being run through social media against ICT while the fugitive beneficiaries of the fallen fascist regime are investing money to hinder the investigations and derail the judicial process," he said.

Tajul Islam came up with the observations while exchanging views with the reporters who cover the ICT beat at his office in the city on Thursday (10 April).

The prosecution said individuals loyal to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina are trying to spread disinformation and misinformation on the investigation process and the prosecutors on social media and mislead the countrymen especially the martyrs' families.

They have already hired British law firm "Daughty Street Chambers" to file accusations for crimes against humanity against the interim government with the International Criminal Court (ICC), said the documentary.

However, Tazul Islam said, "More than 1,500 to 2,000 people were martyred in the July-August uprising. Around 25,000 students and civilians were injured. There are ample evidences of these events. We will be able to prove it in the Tribunal and ensure justice maintaining international standards."

A total of 339 complaints have been filed at the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising in 2024, the prosecution statement said, adding, "The tribunal investigation agency is conducting probe into 39 complaints, while the tribunal has taken into cognizance a total of 22 complaints."

A total of 141 people have been made accused in the 22 cases. Among the accused, 54 have already been arrested and the ICT issued an arrest warrant against remaining 87. Among the accused, 70 people are civilian, 62 are members of Bangladesh Police, and nine are defense officials.

The prosecution team said that they have already collected recorded and written witness of 1,000 for the trial of the cases. The team has visited 15 districts, six secret detention centers (Aynaghar) in Dhaka, Chapainawabganj and Bogura. It has held four public hearings in which more than 800 students, teachers and common people participated.

The team further said that the investigation of at least four cases is at the final stage and they would be able to submit the reports within a short time.

The chief prosecutor said some amendment will be made in the rules of the International Crimes Tribunal and it may happen within one or two weeks.

According to the latest statistics, a total of 339 complaints have been filed with the International Crimes Tribunal, with 39 investigations currently ongoing.

The ICT prosecution team currently comprises 17 prosecutors, including the Chief Prosecutor. The investigation agency includes 24 investigators, all were brought from the Bangladesh Police on deputation or contract basis.