Crimes against humanity: ICT sets 16 March deadline for probe report in Fazle Karim case

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) today (12 January) set 16 March as the deadline for submitting the investigation report in a case against former Chattogram-6 MP ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, accused over alleged crimes against humanity committed during July–August 2024.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, passed the order after Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim sought eight weeks to submit the report. Following the prosecution's submission, the tribunal allowed the defence to be heard.

During the hearing, Rizwana Yusuf, defense lawyer and former wife of Fazle Karim Chowdhury, raised allegations of online harassment, telling the tribunal that her photograph with Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam had been circulated on social media, leading to cyberbullying.

She said images from a social event showing her alongside the chief prosecutor were shared online and sought remedy through an oral plea before the tribunal.

In response, the tribunal asked her to submit a written complaint and assured that legal action would be taken.

Rizwana also informed the tribunal about Fazle Karim's health condition, saying treatment was being sought at the jail hospital. An earlier request for treatment outside the jail had been withdrawn due to security concerns, she said, although the court had earlier sought a report from the jail authorities on the matter.

She further drew the tribunal's attention to harassment and threats circulating on social media.

Rizwana told the court that a leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), identified as Rezaul Karim, allegedly threatened at a social gathering in Chattogram that the tribunal would be "brought down" if a verdict did not go his way.

"So my request is that my client be provided security inside jail," she said, adding that according to a medical board report, Fazle Karim's condition had "shown some improvement."

She also said claims were being spread online suggesting she was being favoured by the chief prosecutor due to a personal relationship.

"Fazle Karim is my former husband," Rizwana said, adding that she and the chief prosecutor were being defamed on social media, causing public humiliation.

She said many senior lawyers, including the recently resigned attorney general and the chief prosecutor, attended a lawyer's death anniversary event in Chattogram, where she was also present. A cropped image of her with the chief prosecutor from the event was later circulated online, with claims that the two had reached an understanding over Fazle Karim's bail. She also placed before the tribunal several offensive comments posted about her on Facebook.

The tribunal then sought the prosecution's response and asked whether it was aware of the matter.

Responding, Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim said the prosecution was aware that not only the defence but also the prosecution and the tribunal often face criticism over various actions.

"If the court deems it necessary, it may take the matter into consideration," he said.

At this stage, Justice Shafiul Alam remarked that if the justice system is obstructed in such a manner, it raises questions about "where the independence of the judiciary stands."

The tribunal directed Rizwana to submit a written complaint naming the individuals involved in spreading the images, online harassment and threats, and said appropriate steps would be taken.