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DHAKA, Sept 22, 2024(BSS) - Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Advocate Tajul Islam today said the appointment of the judges for the tribunal is a matter of time now.

The government has already appointed the prosecution team and investigation agency to start the trial of the offenders who were involved in the mass killing of students and innocent people during 36 days movement in July and August, he said.

Tajul Islam said this while talking to journalists at his office here today.

The Chief Prosecutor said, the Law Ministry with the help of concerned authorities has already finalized the name of the judges for the tribunal after necessary formalities and it will come into the light very soon.

The government on September 7 has appointed Advocate Tajul Islam as Chief Prosecutor and four other prosecutors for the tribunal.

Besides, a 10-member investigation agency led by former Additional DIG of police Md Majaharul Haque was also constituted on September 18.

Several complaints regarding the mass killing and injuring hundreds of students and innocent people during the anti-discrimination students' movement have already submitted to the tribunal accusing the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, government officers from various tiers and Awami League leaders.

The prosecution team and the investigation agency have already started its function regarding the issue and it would be expedited further after appointment of the tribunal judges, he said adding that they have already taken initiative to meet with the coordinators of the anti-discrimination students' movement.

The ousted Sheikh Hasina's government on March 25 in 2010 had constituted the ICT to try the people who were involved in the crimes against humanity during the War of Liberation in 1971. That tribunal delivered judgments in 55 cases during its 14-year tenure.

Some 1500 students and general people were killed allegedly by the law and order forcing agencies and Awami League cadres during the 36-day long anti-discrimination students' movement in July and August.

Over 500 people have been crippled by firing and over 23,000 people were injured during the movement.