ICT building renovation is almost complete

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which was established to try cases including accusations of crimes against humanity and genocide after the great revolt of students in July and August, is nearly finished with renovations.

“The renovation work is almost complete. The tribunal building is being prepared in such a way that it can hold trials of international standard. The building was dilapidated before the renovation works,” Chief Prosecutor of the ICT Mohammad Tajul Islam told BSS today.

When the repair work is finished, the tribunal building will be a visually striking edifice, he continued.
This writer visited the ancient white tribunal building (the former High Court Bhaban) and discovered that the renovations were underway, with workers busily fixing the structure.

Adilur Rahman Khan, the adviser for housing and public works, and Dr. Asif Nazrul, the adviser for law, justice, and parliamentary affairs, have already seen the renovations twice.

After renovations, trials at the ICT are now conducted at a makeshift court next to the tribunal building.

The ICT was reconstituted with High Court Judge Md. Golam Mortuza Mozumder as the new chairman on October 14 last.

The other members of the tribunal are – Justice Md. Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired District and Sessions Judge Md. Mohitul Haq Anam Chowdhury.

The government earlier formed the ICT prosecution team with appointment of the chief prosecutor and prosecutors and the investigation agency.

The ICT formally started the trial proceeding issuing arrest warrants against 46 individuals, including ousted Sheikh Hasina, on October 17 last.

Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5 last in face of a mass uprising ending her party’s sixteen-year rule.

The Awami League government, its loyal administration and a part of the law enforcement agencies committed the genocide and crimes against humanity, said the prosecution team members.

Following their detention in the cases pertaining to crimes against humanity and genocide, the ICT requested that ten former AL government ministers, two former advisers, one retired justice, and a former secretary appear before it on November 18.

In addition, the ICT issued arrest warrants for 17 police officers, with a deadline of November 20 for their appearance before the tribunal. Two former police officers were taken to the jail after being brought before the tribunal following their detention.