No rush, no delay in July Uprising trials

International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam has pledged that trials in cases linked to crimes committed during the July Uprising will be conducted transparently, impartially, and in line with the law.

Speaking to BSS, Aminul said the families of those killed, injured, forcibly disappeared, or murdered during the uprising deserve justice, adding that the prosecution is working to ensure punishment in every case.

He said all stages of the investigation and trial process are being carried out with transparency and professionalism. The accused, he added, are being given full legal opportunities for their defence, while victims’ families, complaints, evidence, and testimonies are being treated with the highest priority.

According to the chief prosecutor, verdicts have so far been delivered in five crimes against humanity cases from the two tribunals, including one filed against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. A case against Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haque Inu is currently awaiting judgment.

Aminul said 22 more cases are under trial, with regular proceedings involving witness depositions, arguments, and document examinations. Investigations are also ongoing in 31 cases, while 105 cases have been formally accepted as complaints.

Around 450 additional complaints have been submitted to the prosecution and will be sent for investigation after verification.

The chief prosecutor acknowledged that the cases are challenging, as many accused are influential figures from politics, administration, law enforcement, and journalism. Despite the difficulties in collecting evidence and testimony, he said the prosecution is moving forward through each stage of the process.

Responding to concerns that some families are not getting enough updates on case progress, Aminul said public hearings are being arranged in different areas so victims’ families can directly communicate with prosecutors and provide documents or information.

He said both tribunals are holding regular proceedings every working day, with around 19 prosecutors and 24 investigation officers currently engaged in the cases.

Aminul added that the prosecution is trying to maintain a careful balance, saying rushed trials could lead to injustice, while unnecessary delays would deny justice to victims’ families.