Investigation into Sheikh Hasina and other high-profile figures nearing completion, new report to be submitted

The investigation into former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several other individuals accused of crimes against humanity is nearly complete. 

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam shared this update with the International Criminal Tribunal on Tuesday, stating that a new report from the United Nations will be included in the final submission.

During the hearing, 16 accused individuals, including 12 former ministers from the Awami League government, appeared in court. 

The individuals present were Anisul Haq, Amir Hossain Amu, Shahjahan Khan, Kamrul Islam, Faruk Khan, Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haq Inu, Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi, Dr. Dipu Moni, and State Minister Junaid Ahmed Palak. 

Also present were Salman F. Rahman and Toufiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, two of Sheikh Hasina‍‍`s former advisors, along with former Supreme Court Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik and former Home Secretary Jahangir Alam.

The tribunal took the opportunity to instruct that incomplete or flawed investigation reports should not be submitted. 

Additionally, the deadline for the report submission was extended by two months, with the new submission date set for April 20.

Meanwhile, during the hearing, defense lawyer Z.I. Khan Panna raised an objection to the judges being addressed as "My Lord," requesting permission to use alternative terms. 

The tribunal accepted this request. Chairman of the tribunal, Golam Mortuza Majumder, commented that he had always discouraged the use of "My Lord," calling it a colonial term.