250 disappeared, none returned: ICT finds
International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said on Tuesday that investigators have found preliminary evidence supporting allegations that around 250 people who disappeared during the Awami League government have not yet returned.
He said the investigation found that the individuals were allegedly abducted by members of law enforcement agencies and that the incidents have been identified as crimes against humanity.
Speaking to reporters at his office on Tuesday afternoon, Aminul said families of around 250 missing people had submitted complaints to the tribunal and investigators had already established preliminary
evidence in the cases.
“Their whereabouts are still unknown, and we have confirmed through investigation that they were abducted by law enforcement personnel,” he said.
He said investigators are recording statements from family members of the victims and identifying the locations from where the individuals were allegedly taken.
The chief prosecutor said the investigation is being conducted family by family and therefore requires time to ensure accuracy. He added that cases involving people who remain missing are being treated as continuing crimes.
No political discrimination
Aminul said there would be no discrimination based on the political, religious or social identity of the victims. “We do not want to see whether someone was a member of Jamaat-e-Islami or came from a BNP family,” he said, adding that cases involving victims from different political backgrounds would be handled under the same standards.
He said three enforced-disappearance cases are currently under trial and are at the witness examination stage. Among the victims in those cases are former Brigadier General Abdullahil Amaan Azmi and barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman.
He added that cases involving other alleged victims, including Suman and BNP leader Ilias Ali, would also be handled under the same standards.
Investigation team expanded
Aminul said a larger team has been formed to investigate the disappearance cases. Four additional investigators have been added to the existing investigator, bringing the team to five members.
He said prosecutors, including the chief prosecutor himself, are coordinating the investigations and expressed hope that visible progress would be made soon.
“We will ensure justice for the families of the disappeared,” he said.
Aminul reiterated that investigators would focus on the alleged crimes rather than the identities of the victims.
“If someone from a Muslim or Hindu family was abducted, or if the victim was a supporter of BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami, we will not investigate based on their identity. We will prioritise the crime as a crime and bring the actual perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Families seek impartial investigation
Earlier on Tuesday, several family members of disappeared people, led by Sanjida Islam Tuli, coordinator of the victims’ families’ platform Mayer Dak, met with the chief prosecutor.
They urged the tribunal to ensure that the allegations of enforced disappearance are investigated and prosecuted without political considerations. The families also sought updates on the progress of the cases.
