NN Online:
The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has announced that they have acquired crucial call records connected to the July and August massacres, involving then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others. They also reported the discovery of significant information related to enforced disappearances.
On Monday, January 13, during a session at the International Crimes Tribunal, prosecutors Tanvir Hasan Joha and BM Sultan Mahmud shared details about the important call records and evidence related to enforced disappearances.
The prosecutors indicated that they have obtained critical information about enforced disappearances, but expressed concerns over a lack of cooperation in providing information to the tribunal. During a press conference, Prosecutor Tanvir Joha noted that there had been extensive efforts to erase evidence of the killings.
The tribunal has categorized the violent incidents occurring in July and August, triggered by protests over quota reforms and government ousting movements, as “genocide.”
In a related development, the International Crimes Tribunal directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a forensic examination of the call records. This order was issued on January 13 by the tribunal, chaired by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder.
Prosecutor B.M. Sultan Mahmud stated that the tribunal has permitted a forensic examination to verify the authenticity of call records involving Sheikh Hasina and others obtained from online platforms and various sources during the July-August massacres.
While there have been various discussions regarding the number of casualties in the movement, the exact figure has yet to be determined. However, a list from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare indicates that the death toll stands at 708. Efforts are ongoing to compile a comprehensive list of the victims.
