Prosecutor Mizanul Islam has said that although the trial proceedings of the International Crimes Tribunal are being conducted in a transparent and lawful manner, certain attempts are being made to obstruct the process.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the tribunal premises on Wednesday afternoon.
“The Awami League is carrying out various activities to create anarchy across the country as part of its propaganda surrounding the verdict of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina,” he said. “However, I do not see this as a threat to justice — rather, it is an attempt to hinder the judicial process.”
Regarding the prevailing situation, he added: “The trial is proceeding lawfully. I believe law enforcement agencies will act firmly to prevent any chaos being instigated in the country.”
Commenting on the publication of Sheikh Hasina’s interview in foreign media, the prosecutor said: “We do not have the authority to control any foreign media. But they know why they are spreading such content. They should ask themselves whether genocide was committed or whether orders were given for the killings. Those who are spreading this propaganda should answer these questions.”
Mizanul Islam also provided an update on tribunal proceedings, saying: “Tribunal-1 had five cases scheduled for Wednesday. The submission of investigation reports in the Shapla Chattar massacre and Chittagong killings cases has been deferred to January 12 next year upon our request for more time.”
“In the Chankharpul murder case, two witnesses appeared — one, a seizure list witness, completed testimony, while the investigation officer, Monirul Islam, partially gave his statement. The hearing was adjourned till Thursday following a defence petition,” he added.
Regarding Tribunal-2, the prosecutor said: “We presented two witnesses in the Abu Sayeed murder case. One witness, Ashraful Islam, completed his testimony, and cross-examination is underway. Another case, related to the burning of a body in Ashulia, was also scheduled, but witnesses could not appear due to special circumstances, so we sought more time.”
He further said that a DNA test identified one of the victims in the Ashulia case as Abul Hossain. “A petition has been filed to exhume the body and return it to his family. We hope it will be granted in the upcoming hearing,” he added.
