NN Online:
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has amended its rules of procedure, formally outlining the process for bringing organizations to trial under the tribunal’s jurisdiction.
ICT Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim told BSS that although the provision to try organizations was introduced earlier through an amendment to the ICT Act, the new update—titled “International Crimes Tribunal-1 Rules of Procedure 2010 (Amendment), 2025″—now defines the procedure in detail.
According to Rule 30 of the amended document, if charges are taken up against an organization, summons or warrants must be served to the President, Chairman, Chairperson, or Secretary of the accused entity. These individuals, or any executive committee member, may represent the organization during trial proceedings. The rule further states that the tribunal may hold these representatives accountable for disobedience or violations of tribunal orders, and impose penalties accordingly.
The ICT-1 officially published the amended rules on May 22, also introducing new provisions for investigation and arrest procedures. Rule 6 empowers investigation officers or designated prosecutors to arrest any accused or suspect during the course of an investigation, provided they believe an offence has been committed.
“The investigation officer can visit the scene, arrest suspects, and carry out searches or seizures with assistance from law enforcement agencies,” said Prosecutor Tamim. He noted, however, that anyone arrested must be presented before the tribunal or a magistrate within 24 hours.
Rule 24 enables members of the Investigation Agency to request a Judicial Magistrate of the first class to record witness statements during the investigation phase.
The amended rules also allow the ICT Chief Prosecutor to bring multiple accused under trial jointly or separately, depending on the case. If a single accused is found to be involved in multiple offences, the prosecutor can file a formal charge encompassing all allegations for simultaneous trial.
Welcoming the amendment, Prosecutor Tamim said, “These updates enhance the efficiency of the tribunal and align its procedures more closely with international standards.”
