DHAKA, Oct 14, 2024 (BSS)- International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has been reconstituted with High Court Judge Md. Golam Mortuza Mozumder as the new chairman.

Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul told this today at a news briefing at Bangladesh Secretariat here.

The other members of the tribunal are- Justice Md. Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired District and Sessions Judge Md. Mohitul Haq Anam Chowdhury.

Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder took oath on October 9 as additional judge of the High Court Division.

Dr Asif Nazrul said the tribunal has been reconstituted in consultation with the Supreme Court.

“We have completed a big step from the law ministry to initiate the trial in the ICT by reconstituting the tribunal. We hope the trial will start very soon,” he said.

The law adviser said, the skilled prosecution and investigation team have already started the pre-trial stage through initiating the investigation and collecting information.

“They have so far collected very credible information. The trial will start soon at the ICT,” he hoped.

Asked about how they would match the ICT with the international law, Asif Nazrul said they have held meeting with the stakeholders to this end.

“We have taken steps to make some significant changes in the ICT law. And under the law any person from the international human rights organizations can observe the proceedings of the trial,” he said.

Additionally, he said, the accused can appoint their lawyers from any country.

The amendment to the act would complete by this month, he said.

Replying to another query about holding trial of the fugitives, the law minister said there are provisions to hold trial of the fugitive accused in the act.
He said they would bring back the persons to be found guilty in the trials from the countries having extradition treaties with Bangladesh.

The law minister said they would try to complete the appointment of lawyers in the subordinate courts by Thursday next (Oct 17).