Staff Reporter :
The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Muhammad Tajul Islam, has announced that 2025 will be a pivotal year for addressing heinous crimes committed over the past decades. Speaking to journalists at the ICT premises on New Year’s Day, Tajul Islam reaffirmed his commitment to making 2025 a landmark in Bangladesh’s judicial history.
“We aim to make 2025 a year of golden history,” said the Chief Prosecutor. “Our goal is to ensure that those responsible for heinous crimes over a prolonged period are brought to justice. We are resolute in our pursuit of this objective.”
Reflecting on the current political environment, Tajul Islam remarked, “A new sun has risen in the country through the mass uprising led by students, enabling us to begin the year free from autocratic rule. This provides a renewed opportunity to address the longstanding atrocities that have marred our nation’s history.”
The Chief Prosecutor outlined the tribunal’s priorities for the coming year, with the primary focus on concluding fair and thorough trials for crimes against humanity, genocide, and other atrocities committed over the past 16 years. He acknowledged the immense public expectation surrounding the ICT’s work and stressed the importance of delivering justice.
“Ensuring justice for these crimes is essential for building a brighter future for the next generation of Bangladeshis,” he noted. “Achieving this requires rigorous and precise investigations, as accurate probes are fundamental to credible trials.”
Tajul Islam reassured the public that ongoing investigations are progressing steadily. He emphasised that the timing of the trials depends on the conclusion of these investigations, underlining the tribunal’s unwavering commitment to judicial integrity.
“The tribunal remains focused on its responsibility to meet public expectations and deliver justice for the countless victims of heinous crimes,” he said. “By doing so, we can lay the foundation for a future based on fairness and accountability.”
The ICT’s emphasis on 2025 reflects the broader national aspirations to confront past atrocities and establish a culture of accountability. Tajul Islam’s vision extends beyond delivering justice; it aims to rebuild trust in the judicial system and set a precedent for future generations.
“The pressure on the tribunal is immense, but it is our duty to rise to this challenge,” he said. “By ensuring justice, we can offer the new generation a future grounded in integrity and fairness.”
With the ICT’s steadfast resolve, 2025 holds the promise of being a transformative year in Bangladesh’s journey towards justice and accountability.
