DHAKA, May 9  (V7N) –The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has expressed optimism that the newly formed second tribunal will accelerate the trials of crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising.

Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim stated, "We want to thank the government for forming the second tribunal. We, from the prosecution, are working to prepare the formal charges. The investigation agency of the ICT is also working relentlessly to complete the probe. We hope the nation would be able to see the proper trial process through ICT-1 and ICT-2 over the crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising."

On May 8th, the government established ICT-2, led by former High Court Division Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, with former district and sessions judge Manjurul Bashid and current Madaripur District and Sessions Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir as its members.

A Law and Justice Division gazette notification, signed by Secretary Sheikh Abu Taher, clarified that the existing tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, will now be designated as ICT-1.

The government had previously reconstituted the ICT on October 14, 2024, with High Court Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder as its chairman, and Justices Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired District and Sessions Judge Md Mohitul Hoque Anam Chowdhury as its members.

Prosecutor Tamim, in his official response, indicated that the investigation of several allegations is nearing completion and that the prosecution has already received a probe report concerning crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising.

"The investigation agency has informed the prosecution that probe into cases against Sheikh Hasina, members of former cabinet and senior officials of law enforcing agencies is nearing end. We hope a couple of formal charges are likely to be filed at the tribunal within this month. It would have been difficult to complete trial process rapidly through the sole tribunal and that is why the government has formed the second tribunal," the prosecutor explained.

He expressed hope that with trials proceeding simultaneously in both tribunals, the nation will achieve justice regarding the July-August crimes against humanity in a more timely manner.

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