ICT issued arrest warrants against Hasina and 45 others

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued arrest warrants today for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 people, including top Awami League officials, in relation to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July-August rebellion.

ICT, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, issued the orders after the prosecution filed two applications with the tribunal seeking arrest warrants for them, according to Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam.

The tribunal also ordered that the 46 people arrested, including Hasina, appear before it by November 18, he added.

According to judicial sources, the 46 include former ministers Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Hasan Mahmud, and Anisul Huq. 

On October 14, the government recreated the ICT, naming Justice Mortuza as chairman and Justice Shafiul and retired Judge Mohitul as members.

On October 15, Justice Mortuza and two ICT members, Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and former district and session judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, joined the panel.

Justice Mortuza and Justice Shafiul were among the 23 new judges appointed to the High Court on October 8.

This came after the government decided last month to overhaul the tribunal's prosecution squad as well as its investigation agency.

The action aims to expedite trials for crimes against humanity and genocide committed during the July-August upheaval, which resulted in the overthrow of Hasina's administration on August 5.

The huge rebellion claimed the lives of at least 753 individuals and injured many more.

Over 60 allegations of crimes against humanity and genocide have been lodged against Hasina and many of her party members with the ICT investigation agency and prosecution team.

The investigative agency and prosecution team have already begun investigations into the complaints.

The government has also drafted a draft to alter the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act of 1973.