11-Party Alliance Urges Faster ICT Trials Over July Uprising

The International Crimes Tribunal, located in the old High Court building, Dhaka. File photo: Collected

An 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday urged the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) to accelerate trials related to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the 2024 July Uprising.

The alliance submitted a seven-point memorandum to ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam, calling for faster investigations and prosecution of those accused in the cases.

The delegation included Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) General Secretary Barrister Fuad, senior leaders of the alliance's constituent parties, and family members of several people killed during the July Uprising.

In the memorandum, the alliance said investigations into several major incidents linked to the July-August 2024 violence remain incomplete. It urged authorities to complete the investigations without delay and proceed with legal action against those found responsible.

The alliance also alleged that a number of accused police and other law enforcement officials have yet to be arrested, claiming that some continue to serve in government positions. It called for legal action against those for whom sufficient evidence is established during the investigation.

According to the memorandum, alleged crimes against humanity occurred in 61 of the country's 64 districts, but investigations outside Dhaka, Rangpur and Kushtia remain unfinished in many cases.

The alliance further claimed that several identified members of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations, accused of involvement in killings and attacks, remain at large, raising concerns over the safety of victims and witnesses.

It also called for expediting investigations into allegations of enforced disappearances, killings and the concealment or destruction of bodies involving both military and civilian individuals, followed by prosecution where evidence supports the charges.

The alliance said the slow progress of investigations and trials has created growing concern among victims' families and others seeking justice.