ATM Azharul Islam & Mohammad Tajul Islam. Photo: Collage

DHAKA, Feb 28, 2025 (BSS) - The Chief Prosecutor's Office has strongly condemned and protested a news report headlined “Question on Tajul Islam’s involvement in ATM Azharul's case” published in a national daily saying “it is part of an ill-motivated attempt to question the ongoing trial process of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

It termed the report as commentary-based and ill-motivated which was published in the Daily Prothom Alo on Thursday.

The press release said the report has tarnished the reputation of the Office of the Chief Prosecutor of the ICT.

Although Mohammad Tajul Islam served as a lawyer for ATM Azharul Islam in 2010 and thereafter, he is not participating in the hearing of ATM Azharul Islam's case after assuming charge as the Chief Prosecutor in 2024.

Since he was previously a lawyer for the accused, he has informed the full bench of the Supreme Court that he will not be able to participate in the case of ATM Azharul Islam.

The Chief Prosecutor has never participated in the hearing of this case and thus there was no 'conflict of interest'. Therefore, he has not violated the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics.

“The report is part of a malicious attempt to question the ongoing trial process of the International Crimes Tribunal,” reads the press release.

“A vested group on behalf of the Awami League and the fallen dictator is engaged in a concerted effort to question the trial process of the International Crimes Tribunal,” it said.

The Chief Prosecutor's Office demanded quick withdrawal of the report saying the concerned reporter should express his regret for the report.