Cadman asks Bangladesh to refer July massacre cases to ICC, change name of ICT

Toby Cadman, special adviser to the ICT chief prosecutor, has said the interim government should refer cases of the July-August massacre to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

Paying a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the CA's official residence Jamuna in Dhaka today (6 March), he also discussed changing the name of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), seizure of assets stolen by the previous government and the issue of the death sentence.

Cadman, also the head of G37 Chambers, suggested amendments to the ICT legal and regulatory framework, including the important issue of changing the name of the institution "to demonstrate a clear departure from the previous autocratic regime."

The issue of how Dhaka would involve the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague was also brought up and discussed in detail. 

It was noted that due to certain absconding accused being shielded by foreign states, cooperation with the ICC under the principles of complementarity is required, and the two institutions should work closely together to ensure that the perpetrators are held fully accountable.

The meeting began with a detailed discussion on the progress and challenges faced by the ICT.

The tribunal is tasked with addressing the atrocities committed during the previous regime of Sheikh Hasina, especially following the student-led uprising in July-August 2024.

The issue of the death penalty and the incorporation of procedural rules of evidence to ensure the highest standards of fair trial and due process were also discussed during the meeting.

Professor Yunus appreciated the work of the ICT Prosecution team, saying they must uphold the highest international standards to ensure a fair trial and justice.

The chief adviser also said Bangladesh would soon decide whether it would refer the July atrocities to the Hague-based ICC since the UN fact-finding mission last month reported that potential crimes against humanity were committed during the uprising.

"It is important that the world should know who ordered the massacres of 1,400 students, protesters, and workers during the July uprising and who were the main perpetrators. The UN fact-finding mission has done a splendid job by unmasking the real face of the [Sheikh Hasina] regime. Now we must hold the culprits to account and serve justice," he said.

At the end of the meeting, Professor Yunus presented Cadman with a copy of the book "Art of Triumph: Graffiti of Bangladesh's New Dawn," symbolising the hope and resilience of the Bangladeshi people in their new era.

Cadman has extensive experience as an international criminal law specialist, having worked in Bosnia, Kosovo, Rwanda, Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine.