Crimes against humanity: ICT sets 2-month deadline for probe against Hasina, Ziaul, 8 others

The International Crimes Tribunal has ordered that an investigation into allegations of crimes against humanity—during the 15-year rule of the Awami League government—against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former military officer Ziaul Ahsan, and 9 others be completed within two months.

The case involves enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture. 

The tribunal has also set 26 October as the new deadline for submission of the investigation report. 

The report was originally due today (24 August). 

However, the prosecution sought additional time on behalf of the tribunal's investigation agency, arguing that more time was needed to finalise the probe. The three-member bench of International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, granted the request.

Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim, who appeared on behalf of the prosecution, told reporters that this was the fourth extension of the deadline.

So far, the prosecution has disclosed the names of 4 of the 11 accused: Sheikh Hasina; Ziaul Ahsan, who is currently under arrest; retired Major General Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, a former defence adviser to the prime minister; and former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed. 

Ahsan was produced before the tribunal today.

On 6 January this year, the tribunal issued arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina and ten others over allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during the Awami League's rule. 

The investigation report was initially due on 12 February, later extended to 20 April, then 24 June, and now to 26 October.