AL can be tried by its own laws: Chief Prosecutor

The Awami League can be prosecuted under laws enacted during its own tenure, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Mohammad Aminul Islam said on Sunday.

Speaking at a press briefing at his office, Aminul Islam said the party could face trial under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, both enacted or amended by Awami League governments.

Responding to a question about a recent remark by the home minister on trying the Awami League as an organisation, the chief prosecutor said the 1973 law was enacted by the then Awami League government and the ICT was reconstituted under the same law in 2010. He noted that in 2013, the government amended the law to include the term “organisation,” creating a legal basis for trying organisations.

He also said the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009 provides for the prosecution of organisations, not just individuals, for offences under the law.

Aminul Islam further noted that on August 1, 2024, the then Awami League government used provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act to ban Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, arguing that the legal framework for prosecuting or banning organisations had been established by the party itself.

“The current trials for crimes against humanity are being conducted under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973. Therefore, if necessary, the Awami League can also be tried under these laws,” he said.

The chief prosecutor alleged that after returning to power in 2009, the Awami League established a “fascist” system that curtailed political freedoms, weakened state institutions and undermined democratic processes.

He also alleged that members of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations, including the Jubo League and Chhatra League, were involved in violence during the July-August 2024 mass uprising.

According to Aminul Islam, the ICT’s investigation agency is examining allegations against the party and its affiliated bodies, while offences under the Anti-Terrorism Act may also be investigated separately. He said further legal action would be considered after the investigation report is submitted.