Renovation of the ICT building almost completed

The renovation of the building of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), established to hear cases involving charges of genocide and crimes against humanity committed during the mass uprising in July and August, is coming to an end.

“The renovation works are almost completed. The tribunal building is being prepared in such a way that it can host trials of international standard. Before the renovation works, the building was dilapidated,” Chief ICT Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam told BSS today (November 2).

He added that once the renovation works are completed, the tribunal building will be an eye-catcher.

During the visit, it was found that the renovation work was in full swing as workers were seen busy repairing the historic white tribunal building (old Bhaban High Court).

Advisor for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Asif Nazrul and Advisor for Housing and Public Works Adilur Rahman Khan have already inspected the renovation work twice.

ICT hearings are currently taking place in a temporary court adjacent to the tribunal building.

On October 14, ICT was re-established with Supreme Court Justice Md. as its new chairman. Golam Mortuza Mozumder. The other members of the tribunal are Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired district judge and adjudicator Md Mohitul Haq Anam Chowdhury.

The government had previously established an ICT prosecutor team, appointing a chief prosecutor and prosecutors, as well as an investigative body.

The ICT formally initiated trial proceedings by issuing arrest warrants for 46 people, including deposed Sheikh Hasina, on October 17.

Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5 in the face of a mass student-led uprising, ending her party’s 15-year rule.

According to members of the prosecution team, the Awami League government, its loyal administration and some law enforcement agencies committed genocide and crimes against humanity during the movement in July and August.

The ICT had already asked on November 18 to present before it 10 former ministers of the AL government, two former advisers, one retired judge and a former secretary, after showing them arrests in connection with cases brought in connection with genocide and crimes against humanity.

In addition, the ICT issued arrest warrants for 17 police officers and set November 20 for their presentation to the tribunal. Two former police officers who appeared in court after their arrest were sent to prison.