The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has directed that an investigation into allegations of crimes against humanity—purportedly committed during the 15-year tenure of the Awami League government—against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former military officer Ziaul Ahsan, and nine others be completed within two months.
The case includes accusations of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture. The tribunal has set 26 October as the new deadline for submission of the investigation report, which was originally scheduled for 24 August.
The prosecution requested extra time on behalf of the tribunal’s investigation agency, citing the need for additional time to finalize the probe. The three-member bench of International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, approved the extension.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told reporters that this marks the fourth extension of the investigation deadline.
To date, the prosecution has disclosed four of the eleven accused: Sheikh Hasina; Ziaul Ahsan, who is currently in custody; retired Major General Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, a former defence adviser to the prime minister; and former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed. Ziaul Ahsan was produced before the tribunal on 24 August.
The tribunal initially issued arrest warrants on 6 January against Sheikh Hasina and ten others over alleged enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during the Awami League’s rule.
The investigation report was first due on 12 February, but the deadline was successively extended to 20 April, 24 June, and now 26 October.
