Will seek Interpol's assistance to bring Hasina back to country for genocide trial: ICT chief prosecutor

Assistance from the International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as Interpol, will be sought to bring former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives back to the country for trial of genocide during the July revolution, International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Advocate Tajul Islam said today (13 October).

"Once judges are appointed, arrest warrants and travel bans will be requested against those accused of the July genocide within this week. Interpol's assistance will be sought to bring back the fugitives, including Sheikh Hasina," he told reporters after a meeting at the tribunal's office in Dhanmondi.

So far, more than 60 charges, including enforced disappearances, murder, and genocide, have been filed at the ICT against Sheikh Hasina, members of the Awami League and leaders of its 14-party alliance, and former top officials of law enforcement agencies.

Earlier, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the ICT will be reconstituted by this week and the tribunal would be able to start its work in full scale within a month.

"We hope that the full scale judicial proceedings at ICT would begin within a month while the tribunal will be reconstituted within a week," he said.

He said with the appointment of 23 additional judges in the High Court, a significant progress has been made regarding the appointment of judges in the ICT.

"Until now, when judges were sought for the tribunal, it was often stated by the Supreme Court that there was a significant shortage of judges. Now, I hope that issue has largely been resolved," the law adviser said.

Allegations of genocide surfaced in the country during the Anti-discrimination Student Movement in July and August which led to the ouster of the Hasina-led Awami League government. 

The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, decided to bring these allegations to trial at the International Crimes Tribunal.

A new prosecution team and investigation agency have been formed as part of the process. Ongoing efforts include amending the laws for the trial and renovating the tribunal building.