Chief Prosecutor Expresses Concerns Over Rushed Trials for Crimes Against Humanity

Speaking at a roundtable discussion organized on the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, Mohammad Tajul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, expressed concerns about the rushed process of trying crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances and killings committed during the Awami League government’s tenure and the July mass uprising. He highlighted uncertainties regarding whether the next elected government, expected to assume power by February, will continue these judicial proceedings.

The roundtable, held on Saturday at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, was jointly organized by the government’s Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Tajul Islam noted that the urgency to complete investigations and file formal charges before a potential change in government is forcing a rushed approach, which may compromise the thoroughness required for such cases.

“In this new reality, we are compelled to think about what might happen if the elected government in February does not proceed with these trials,” Tajul Islam said. “If we assume the next government might not continue this prosecution or judicial process, we are forced to rush. This means I have to consider how far I can go by February and complete some tasks. As a result, we may not be able to conduct these processes as meticulously as needed.” Tajul Islam emphasized that failing to file formal charges for cases involving enforced disappearances, killings during the mass uprising, and other crimes against humanity from the Awami League era would be a significant failure. “Given the scale of enforced disappearances—over 1,800 cases—it’s practically impossible to thoroughly investigate all aspects within a few months. But we are forced to undertake this seemingly impossible task due to fears that the next government may not act,” he added. He stressed the importance of making political parties aware of the gravity of these crimes to ensure justice continues. “If the incoming government fails to understand the importance of continuing these trials, the achievements of the revolution, for which so much blood was shed, risk being undermined,” he warned. Tajul Islam urged political parties to recognize that without accountability, such atrocities could recur in Bangladesh. He further stated that his team would continue their work as long as they are in office, undeterred by obstacles, in accordance with the law. “The identity of a criminal is simply that—they are a criminal, regardless of their position or influence. No one should shield them,” he said, adding that protecting perpetrators or obstructing justice itself constitutes a crime. The roundtable was attended by notable figures, including Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Chief of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, and Senior Human Rights Adviser at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Dhaka, Huma Khan, among others.