July massacre trials to conclude within a year: Chief prosecutor

Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam on Tuesday said the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is working to complete the trials related to the July uprising within the next year.

Speaking at a briefing at his office, Aminul said the tribunal has already concluded six cases—three before he assumed office and three after he took over.

“We have completed the trials of six cases within one to one-and-a-half years. They were concluded in a very short time while maintaining transparency, impartiality and international standards,” he said.

He added that rushing the proceedings further could raise questions about the credibility of the trials.

“If the trials are conducted any faster, people may question their fairness. We are ensuring that justice is delivered transparently and through due process,” he said.

Referring to ongoing cases, the chief prosecutor said verdicts in three more cases are expected this month.

He said closing arguments are currently underway in the case against Obaidul Quader, while arguments have already concluded in the case against Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif, with a verdict expected at any time.

He also said the trial over the killing of Taim in Jatrabari is nearing its final stage, with closing arguments scheduled to begin within the next few days.

According to Aminul, the case against former military official Ziaul Ahsan is also close to completion, with witness examination and evidence presentation nearly finished.

He said investigators are working swiftly to complete investigations into all July uprising-related cases so that the trials can be concluded within the next year.

The chief prosecutor also said investigations into more than 3,000 alleged crossfire incidents across the country are progressing, with reports already completed in many cases.

He added that trial proceedings have already begun in the Cox’s Bazar councillor Ekram murder case and the Shapla Chattar case.

While the July uprising cases remain the tribunal’s top priority, investigations into enforced disappearances and alleged extrajudicial killings are also continuing, he said.

Aminul said the prosecution has already submitted investigation reports in 12 cases and is filing formal charges in phases, with several more charge sheets expected within the next few days.