The investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal is set to launch a preliminary probe into allegations of crimes against humanity against the Awami League. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam disclosed the matter while briefing journalists on Sunday at the tribunal premises.
He said that during the July-August mass uprising, serious allegations of killings and torture were brought against the Awami League. The investigation is being initiated based on a complaint earlier filed by the political party NDM (National Democratic Movement).
The Chief Prosecutor noted that the process of treating the Awami League as a “criminal organization” is under initial scrutiny and evaluation. He added that formal investigation proceedings would begin very soon.
Meanwhile, the prosecution has filed formal charges against four people, including banned Awami League’s Joint General Secretary and former MP of Kushtia-3, Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif, for crimes against humanity committed in Kushtia. The charges include the killing of six people during the July-August mass uprising. The other accused are Awami League leaders Sadar Uddin Khan, Azgar Ali, and Ataur Rahman Ata.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said the tribunal has been requested to take cognizance of the charges, and an order is expected today (Monday). He further mentioned that Hanif faces charges of conspiracy, killings of protesters, and command responsibility.
It may be recalled that on August 5 last year, during the student-people’s uprising in Kushtia, six protesters were shot dead between 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm, in what has been classified as crimes against humanity.