ICT orders probe against Hasina by April 20

Staff Reporter :

The International Crimes Tribunal has directed the completion of the investigation into the charges against Sheikh Hasina for the July-August genocide by April 20.

The three-member tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumdar, issued this order on Tuesday(February 18).

The order was given following a request by the prosecution during the proceedings. Additional Chief Prosecutor Mizanul Islam represented the prosecution in court.

Earlier, on December 17, the tribunal had directed that the investigation into two cases of crimes against humanity related to the July-August genocide, involving Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader, and 46 others, be completed within two months.

The investigation is focused on the roles of those accused of giving orders and planning the killings of unarmed students and civilians during the anti-discrimination student movement.

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister and other accused individuals are being tried in the International Crimes Tribunal.

The government, led by the Awami League, allegedly carried out widespread killings to suppress the student-led movement. Approximately 1,500 people were killed during this protest.

Faced with the student protests, Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5. Following this, an interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus took charge of the country and decided to pursue justice for the July-August genocide.