‘ICT may need expansion as caseload grows’

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) may require additional institutional capacity as the volume of cases and investigations continues to increase, Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam said.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Supreme Court Reporters Forum (SRF) at Dhaka Club in the capital on Saturday, he said the current pace of case submissions and prosecution investigation reports suggests that enlarging the Tribunal and the prosecution team may become necessary.

He also noted that the number of officials serving in the investigation agency might have to be increased.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Prosecutor also praised the contribution of the country’s media during the 2024 July Mass Uprising.

“The media played a crucial role in the 2024 July Mass Uprising. The nation could not have become united if the media had not at that time disseminated accurate information, the true picture of events, and the programmes of the protesters,” he said.

He further observed that Bangladesh has recently returned to a democratic system of governance after a long period, creating greater scope for journalists and media organisations to operate independently.

“After a long time, a democratic system of governance has been established in Bangladesh, and through this, the media in the country has now gained the opportunity to work independently,” he added.

Referring to the Tribunal’s ongoing work, Aminul Islam said efforts are being made to conduct all judicial proceedings with the highest degree of honesty and impartiality.