The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered the completion of the investigation into deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over allegations of genocide linked to last year’s anti-discrimination movement protests by April 20.
The directive was issued on Tuesday by a three-member panel led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar.
During the hearing, Additional Chief Prosecutor Mizanul Islam requested additional time to prepare, leading the tribunal to set the deadline for finalizing the investigation.
Previously, 16 individuals, including former ministers from the Awami League government, were summoned before the tribunal in connection with the case.
Among those named are former Law Minister Anisul Huq, former Prime Minister’s Advisor for Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman, former State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, and ex-ministers Faruk Khan, Dipu Moni, Abdur Razzaque, Shajahan Khan, Kamal Ahmed Mojumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi, Amir Hossain Amu, and Qamrul Islam. Also included in the case are former Advisor Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Workers Party chief Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haq Inu, retired judge Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, and former Home Secretary Jahangir Alam.
On December 17, the tribunal instructed that investigations into two cases of crimes against humanity, involving Hasina, Obaidul Quader, and 46 others, be completed within two months.
The Awami League’s 15-year rule ended on August 5 last year following a student-led mass uprising, after which Hasina fled to India.
