Detention beyond 24 hours without legal aid to be considered 'enforced disappearance': Chief Prosecutor

Detention beyond 24 hours without legal assistance and in secrecy will be considered "enforced disappearance," said Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Md Aminul Islam.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at his office on Monday, September 7, in response to questions regarding the passage of the Prevention and Remedies of Enforced Disappearance Act and the National Human Rights Commission Act in parliament on September 6.

Referring to the new law as a milestone, the Chief Prosecutor said from now on, if anyone is secretly detained without legal assistance after 24 hours of arrest, that period will be considered as "enforced disappearance." He said the reports of disappearances that have come to light will be reviewed and decisions will be taken on whether they will be tried under this law or separately. He also said there will be no conflict between the Enforced Disappearance Act and the Tribunal Act.

Meanwhile, the Appellate Division did not issue any order on Monday regarding whether death-row convict Abul Kalam Azad can appeal. On this matter, the Chief Prosecutor said no one convicted of crimes against humanity can appeal after 30 days, whether it is Abul Kalam Azad or Sheikh Hasina.

Regarding the incident of cutting a cake in the tribunal's lockup involving three SB members, he said security will be tightened further in the interest of justice.