Action to be taken against Awami League: Tajul Islam

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tajul Islam, has said that appropriate action will be taken against the Awami League as a political party over allegations of involvement in crimes against humanity.

On Tuesday, October 7, he made the statement while responding to questions from journalists on the tribunal premises.

Tajul Islam said the process of investigation against the Awami League had been ongoing. In continuation of that, a formal investigation has now begun, and an investigation officer has already been appointed. “They will complete the investigation very soon. Upon receiving the report, necessary steps will be taken against the Awami League as a political party for trial,” he added.

On the issue of sentencing a political party, the Chief Prosecutor said, “You cannot punish a party as an individual. But the law specifies what kind of measures can be taken against a party. For example—banning the party, proceeding through other legal processes, or issuing directives against its leaders and activists. Currently, the investigation has started regarding the Awami League as a political party. If investigations are required against other parties involved, the agency will act accordingly.”

He further stated that there had already been an application regarding the trial of the Awami League. “Since it was not possible to dispose of all the applications at once, they are being processed sequentially. In that context, this investigation has commenced. In addition, various testimonies given in court by witnesses will serve as formal documents. Those testimonies will be considered as important evidence,” he said.

When asked about remarks that several developments would take place this week, Tajul Islam said, “We mentioned that several more investigation reports would be submitted. We expect that to happen within this week.”

It may be noted that on October 2, 2024, NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj submitted a petition to the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal demanding the trial of the Awami League. The petition also held the 14-party alliance responsible alongside the Awami League as direct perpetrators of genocide. In continuation of this, the tribunal’s investigation agency has initiated a formal probe.