Abu Jakir :
The interim government has amended the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act of 1973 to disqualify anyone formally charged with crimes against humanity from contesting elections or holding public office.
The amendment, the third to the ICT Act within a year, was issued on Monday as the “International Crimes Tribunal (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.”
The move effectively bars Awami League chief and ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina from participating in future elections. Hasina, removed from power following a student-led mass uprising on 5 August 2024, fled to India on the same day.
The interim government’s Advisory Council approved the proposed amendment on 4 September, clearing the way for its formal enactment. Under the newly added Section 20C, anyone formally charged under the ICT law will be automatically disqualified from running for parliament or holding elected posts, including mayors, chairmen, commissioners, and councillors. They will also be ineligible for recruitment or appointments to any government position.
The disqualification will be lifted if the accused is later acquitted or discharged by the tribunal. Officials said the change ensures that no individual facing war crimes charges can exercise state authority while under trial.
Since the Awami League’s ouster, several ministers, MPs, and party leaders have been arrested, while others have gone into hiding or fled abroad.
Many face charges in connection with killings and alleged crimes against humanity during and after the July Uprising.
The ICT, originally established in 2010 to prosecute 1971 Liberation War crimes, is now being used by the interim administration to try Hasina and her associates. One case against Hasina is in its final stages, with five charges filed against her, including incitement, instigation, ordering the killing of 1,400 people to suppress protests, superior command responsibility, and participation in a joint criminal enterprise.
In February, an amendment to the tribunal law opened the path to trying the Awami League as a party. The tribunal’s prosecution branch launched its investigation on Tuesday. Meanwhile, all Awami League activities have been banned, and the Election Commission has suspended the party’s registration.
Previously, the suspension had already prevented Hasina from contesting elections as an Awami League candidate. With the new amendment, Hasina, facing multiple charges of crimes against humanity, is now barred from running even as an independent candidate.
This amendment marks a significant move by the interim government to ensure that individuals facing serious criminal charges cannot hold positions of political authority while under judicial scrutiny.
