Tribunal will investigate crimes against humanity during 1/11: Chief Prosecutor

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Md Aminul Islam, has stated that any crimes against humanity committed during the 1/11 period will be investigated by the tribunal on its own initiative. He added that if evidence is found against any individual, they will face trial.

Speaking to journalists at his office yesterday afternoon (31 March), the Chief Prosecutor was asked whether the tribunal would investigate all crossfire incidents. He replied, “Any crossfire incidents, as well as cases related to anti-discrimination and any crimes against humanity during 1/11, which fall under the tribunal’s jurisdiction, will be brought before us.”

When asked specifically about Lieutenant Colonel (retd.) Md. Afzal Naser, a key figure during 1/11, the Chief Prosecutor said that the tribunal would investigate anyone implicated in crimes against humanity. “If evidence is found, they will be brought to justice,” he added.

The 1/11 period refers to the imposition of a state of emergency on 11 January 2007 following military intervention, during which President Professor Iajuddin Ahmed also served as Chief Adviser of the caretaker government. He was subsequently forced to resign, and a new army-backed caretaker government took office.

Lieutenant General (retd.) Masud Uddin Chowdhury is regarded as the principal architect of the 1/11 political shift. He was arrested by the DB on 23 March, while former Director General of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General (retd.) Sheikh Mamun Khaled, was detained on 25 March. Both were later formally charged in separate cases of crimes against humanity.

Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam added that copies of all crossfire cases nationwide are being collected for review. A committee will verify which cases fall under the tribunal’s jurisdiction, and those deemed appropriate will be prosecuted in court.