Complaint filed or not, ICT will probe internally: Chief prosecutor on 'Tk1cr demand for bail'

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam has said the tribunal will conduct an internal investigation into allegations that a prosecutor demanded Tk1 crore in exchange for granting bail, regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed.

Speaking at a press conference at his office today (10 March), Aminul Islam referred to allegations against recently resigned prosecutor Saimum Reza Talukder.

He said such accusations raise serious questions about the credibility of the tribunal and therefore must be investigated thoroughly.

"The work at the ICT requires people who are above temptation. Everyone must rise above personal gain. Those who cannot do so do not need to remain here," Aminul Islam said, adding that he had already made it clear during a meeting with prosecutors that even minimal allegations of corruption would not be tolerated.

He said, "An internal investigation committee will be formed to examine the allegation that Talukder sought a bribe to secure bail for an accused person."

The chief prosecutor added that he would personally be involved in the investigation process.

The issue surfaced after a media report published on a leaded audio recording of a conversation allegedly between Talukder and a lawyer of ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, former Awami League lawmaker from Chattogram-6, who is an accused in a crimes against humanity case linked to the July Uprising.

Responding to the report, Aminul said he saw the news in the morning and immediately asked all prosecutors to attend a meeting at 9am to discuss the matter.

"I tried to understand the details of the issue and looked into the case mentioned in the report. I also contacted the person who was handling the case to gather preliminary information," he said.

He assured that the leaked audio would be examined as part of the internal investigation. "Even if no formal complaint is submitted, the chief prosecutor's office will carry out the probe."

Aminul also said the tribunal would review activities since its reconstitution after 5 August by forming an internal committee to examine any irregularities. "If any wrongdoing is found, the findings will be reported to the appropriate authorities."

When asked whether such allegations would be addressed under the ICT Act or existing criminal laws, the chief prosecutor said the tribunal would soon hold a meeting to determine the appropriate legal course of action.