The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh extended the deadline by two months on Tuesday for completing the investigation into allegations of crimes against humanity against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A report by The Daily Star newspaper mentioned that a three-member bench, led by Justice Ghulam Murtoza Majumdar, passed the order and extended the deadline to February 18 for completing the investigation into the case filed against Hasina and 45 others, including former ministers, for genocide during the student-led protests in July-August.
Indeed, 77-year-old Hasina arrived in India on August 5 after unprecedented anti-government protests. The student-led Monsoon Revolution, under the banner of bias against students, successfully toppled Hasina’s 16-year rule, driven by strong calls for change and accountability.
The newspaper reported that investigation reports for two cases were supposed to be completed today, but according to the prosecution, the investigation agency asked for more time.
Former Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzak was shown arrested on Tuesday in the genocide case, alongside 15 high-profile individuals previously shown arrested in the case.
The arrested individuals include former Law Minister Anisul Haque, former Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, former Food Minister Qamrul Islam, former Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Lt. Col. (Retd.) Faruque Khan, and former Minister and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon.
Meanwhile, an inquiry commission formed by the interim government recently stated in a provisional report claiming Hasina’s involvement in alleged enforced disappearances. The commission estimates that the number of enforced disappearances is over 3,500.
The press branch of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's office stated in a communiqué, "The commission has found evidence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s involvement as an instructor in enforced disappearance incidents."
