ICT orders completion of investigation against Hasina by 20 April
The tribunal initially instructed the investigation to be completed and a report submitted within two months, which ended today
Highlights:
- ICT sets 20 April deadline for Hasina investigation
- Tribunal seeks report on genocide, murder cases
- Prosecution granted extra time for completion
- Hasina in India since student-led uprising
- Calls increase for Hasina's repatriation and trial
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has directed the investigation into cases of July-August's genocide, murder, and crimes against humanity against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to be completed by 20 April.
The three-member tribunal, led by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, issued the order today (18 February) following the prosecution's petition.
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The tribunal initially instructed the investigation to be completed and a report submitted within two months, which ended today.
However, the prosecution requested additional time to conclude the investigation. Additional Chief Prosecutor Mizanul Islam represented the prosecution during the hearing.
On 17 December last year, the tribunal ordered the completion of investigations within two months in two cases filed against 46 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader, for crimes against humanity in July-August last year.
Hasina fled to India with her sister Sheikh Rehana on 5 August in the face of a mass uprising led by students. She has been in India since then.
After the fall of the Awami League (AL) government, at least 60 cases or complaints of enforced disappearances, killings, genocide, and crimes against humanity were lodged at the International Crimes Tribunal, accusing Sheikh Hasina, leaders of the Awami League and 14 party alliance, and senior officials of different law enforcement agencies.
Numerous cases on various charges, including murder and attempt to murder, have also been filed against the ousted prime minister, who ruled the country with an iron fist for 15 years, and AL leaders.
Since she fled to India, the demand has been growing to have her repatriated to the country and face trial for the crimes committed by her administration during the July-August uprising.
