Ziaul Ahsan abducted, killed hundreds before bodies were dumped in rivers: Chief prosecutor

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam has alleged that Major General (retd) Ziaul Ahsan, former director-general of the National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre (NTMC), abducted and killed hundreds of people during the last Awami League government. He said the victims were subjected to enforced disappearance, and their bodies were dumped in rivers, canals, and wetlands after being cut open. The tribunal's investigation agency and the prosecution have what he described as "exceptionally strong evidence."

"The investigation agency has obtained extensive evidence against Ziaul. He abducted and killed hundreds of people and dumped their bodies in rivers, canals, and wetlands after cutting open their stomachs. We have exceptionally strong proof. An accused of such gravity must be dealt with independently by the investigation agency in every allegation," he said.

The chief prosecutor made the remarks yesterday at a press briefing on the tribunal premises in Dhaka.

During Ziaul's interrogation, his sister Naznin Nahar submitted an application seeking permission for herself and his lawyer to be present beside him. A brief heated exchange took place between her and the prosecution during the hearing.

The investigation in the crimes against humanity case is ongoing. Of the 11 accused, four names have been made public: ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former defence and security adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed, and Ziaul Ahsan. The remaining accused have not been named. The tribunal has set 11 December for submission of the investigation report.

Tajul said any application to the court must cite the relevant laws, but Ziaul had filed a broad, unspecific petition through his lawyer. "He even asked for access to call records and messages from his phone, which have no connection with this case. Besides, no charge sheet has been submitted. If he wants such information, he must go to a different forum," he said, adding that approaching the tribunal for everything was "outside legal provisions."

He said the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act does not allow a lawyer to sit before an investigation officer during interrogation. For transparency, lawyers are permitted to remain in an adjacent room, a practice in place since 2010, and may meet the accused if necessary. A doctor is also kept available. "These measures are not in the law but are allowed in the interest of justice. But she is insisting on sitting beside the accused, which is not realistic," he said.

The chief prosecutor said Naznin Nahar's presence during questioning would disrupt interrogation, as she is both lawyer and sister of the accused. He said unnecessary applications were being filed to hinder the investigation. "We informed the court that these actions obstruct the judicial process," he said. He added that evidence links Ziaul Ahsan to the highest number of crimes and requested the court to ensure interrogation proceeds with full caution and according to law.