Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul. -File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 11, 2025 (BSS) – Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul today said verdicts in three or four cases currently under trial with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) regarding the killings during the July uprising are expected to be handed down by October. 

“I hope that verdicts in three or four cases currently under trial with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) regarding the killings during the July uprising will be delivered by October,” he said in a press conference held at his ministry’s conference room.

The ousted Prime Minister, top leaders of Awami League and police personnel are among the accused who are facing the charges of crimes against humanity and genocide at the ICT for the July killings. 

The adviser said he was expressing such hope after through consultation with the prosecution team. 

He said much progress has been made in the trial process after bringing amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal Act and formation of the International Crimes Tribunal. The court has been functioning with full capacity for the last four months. 

“Over 300 allegations have so far been registered with the court. Of those, our prosecution has formally submitted 16 cases after thorough scrutiny. The investigation in four cases, out of the 16, is expected to conclude by this month. The formal trial proceedings will be started after forming the charges,” he said.

According to the law, the defence will get three months time after the trial starts, he said, adding that they hoped that the testimony would start from April. 

As this court continuously holds hearings on the cases, the verdicts in the three to four cases are expected to be delivered finally in the four to six months, he said.. 

Asif Nazrul said the prosecution and investigation teams are working round the clock with dedication and sincerity. 

Mentioning that they are expecting to get the report of the United Nations (UN) in a day or two, he said, “It will contribute immensely regarding holding an acceptable, fair and impartial trial.”   

There has been much progress in the investigation in the July killing cases, he said, adding that eight investigation officers had been appointed few days back.

“We are trying our best,” he added. 

The law adviser said they are facing trouble due to ‘ghost cases’ as the recruitment of prosecution had completed just two months back and thousands of ‘ghost cases’ were registered. 

A list of 16,429 ghost cases has already been prepared to scrap, he said, adding that of those, 1214 cases will be withdrawn in a week. 

Replying to a question, the law adviser said, “We have done what we could to bring back Sheikh Hasina. But, our laws allow holding trial of the fugitive accused. India may not want to send Sheikh Hasina back. But, our efforts will continue.”