Prosecution will visit district by district to investigate Awami League-era crimes, public hearings will be held: chief prosecutor

The chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Md Aminul Islam, has said the prosecution will go district by district to investigate crimes against humanity committed during the past Awami League rule and during the July movement. He gave the information while speaking to journalists at his office on Thursday (12 November).

In response to a question, the chief prosecutor said many crimes against humanity were committed during the Awami League's rule. Incidents like crossfire took place in every district, as did enforced disappearances and abductions. During the July movement, many people were shot dead indiscriminately, or were disappeared or maimed.

The chief prosecutor said, 'We have decided that, in a joint initiative of the prosecution and the investigation agency, we will visit every district in person, hold public hearings there, and identify the crimes against humanity that were committed there.'

He said offences that fall under the International Crimes Tribunal Act will be brought under trial at the tribunal. If such a crime is found in any district, it will be identified and arrangements will be made to arrest the accused on the spot, he added.

Chief prosecutor Md Aminul Islam expressed hope that the government will assist this work with adequate logistical support.