Investigation begins in genocide case against Sheikh Hasina, others

The Investigation Agency of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today started probing into the genocide and crimes against humanity case lodged against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and others, after recording the allegations as a case, reports BSS.

M. Ataur Rahman, Deputy Director (Administration) of the ICT Investigation Agency said experts have opined that the charges can be put on trial under the Sections 3(2) and 4(1)/4(2) of the International Crimes Tribunal Act 1973.

"The accusation of genocide and crimes against humanity has been recorded as a case. Also, an investigation officer has been appointed in this case and the agency has started reviewing by collecting the newspapers of the time of the incident," Gazi MH Tamim, the lawyer who filed the petition on Wednesday, told the newsmen this morning.

Yesterday, a complaint was filed to the Coordinator of the ICT‍‍`s investigation agency on behalf of Md Bulbul Kabir, father of Arif Ahmed Siam, a student who succumbed to his injuries two days after being shot by police during the anti-discrimination student movement in Savar on August 5.

An application was also submitted to take actions after investigation against the accused under Section 8 of the ICT Tribunal Act, 1973 by registering the complaint.

In the petition, it has been said that those who were killed or injured during July 15 to August 5 across Bangladesh, and later died on different dates will be included into it.

Fallen ex-prime minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, former Road, Transport and Bridges minister and AL general secretary Obaidul Quader, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former state minister for information Mohammad Ali Arafat, several ministers of the ousted government, state ministers and parliament members, former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, former additional inspector general of police and Dhaka Metropolitan Detective chief Harun-ar Rashid, former Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner Habibur Rahman and some other police officers and members, leaders and workers of Awami League, Chhatra League and Jubo League and AL‍‍`s other affiliated organizations with some RAB officers and members were accused of genocide and crimes against humanity in the complaint.

In addition to the plaintiff and other witnesses, reports published in various media from last July 16 to August 6 were submitted as necessary documents.

Further proceedings will be conducted after the probe report is submitted to the Chief Prosecutor of the tribunal.