Investigation Ongoing Into Awami League’s Alleged Crimes Against Humanity
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The investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed by the Awami League as an organization is ongoing, Chief Prosecutor Md. Aminul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) said on Sunday.
Speaking at a briefing at his office, Aminul said appropriate legal action would be taken after the investigation report is submitted.
He said the Awami League’s organizational activities have already been banned under Section 18 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, adding that Bangladeshi law also provides a mechanism for banning the party as an organization.
According to the chief prosecutor, if the party is convicted as an organization, the government will be able to officially ban it through a gazette notification based on the tribunal’s verdict.
“The alleged crimes against humanity involving the Awami League are under investigation. That is all I can say at this stage. I will be able to provide further details after the investigation report is submitted,” he said.
Aminul said the investigation cannot be completed overnight because it covers a broad historical period.
He alleged that the investigation includes the Awami League’s activities since Bangladesh’s independence, including the establishment of a one-party system, the banning of political parties, the formation of the Rakkhi Bahini, alleged killings by the force, support for authoritarian rule, and allegations that the party established a fascist system after returning to power in 2009 and subjected people to widespread repression over the years.
He added that investigators are also examining allegations involving money laundering and actions that may have undermined Bangladesh’s sovereignty, saying such issues are relevant when determining whether an organization should be banned.
“An investigation of this scope cannot be completed overnight,” he said.
Aminul said that if evidence establishes the Awami League’s involvement in crimes against humanity, the tribunal has the legal authority to order the organization banned. He added that the law also allows for the confiscation of the assets of convicted individuals, both in Bangladesh and abroad, in favor of the state.
The chief prosecutor also stressed that the tribunal operates independently.
“Our tribunal functions completely independently. We do not conduct our work under anyone’s direction. There is no interference from our side in the ongoing investigation. The investigating agency is carrying out its work independently,” he said.
