Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal may need more bodies to handle caseload

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) may require an expansion of its judicial bodies to manage an increasing number of cases, Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam stated on Saturday.

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The two tribunals may become overburdened given the rate at which cases are being filed and investigation reports are being submitted.

Islam noted that the existing two tribunals are currently prosecuting around 30 cases, a number that continues to grow as new cases are filed and investigation reports are submitted. He expressed concern that the current tribunals could become overburdened, necessitating a potential increase in the number of tribunals, the prosecution team, and the investigation agency's manpower.

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In that situation, there may be a need to increase the number of tribunals, expand the prosecution team, and enhance the manpower of the investigation agency.

Addressing the pace of trials, the chief prosecutor stressed that speeding up proceedings must not compromise due process. He affirmed the prosecution's commitment to scrutinizing each case meticulously to prevent the harassment of innocent individuals and the escape of justice by the guilty. Islam highlighted that denying the defense adequate opportunities for cross-examination and case presentation would undermine fair trial standards.

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If the defence is not given adequate opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and present its case, justice will not be ensured.

He further elaborated that both delayed justice and hurried justice constitute a denial of justice. Islam revealed that he has sent five to six cases back for reinvestigation since taking office, some based on information provided by journalists. He underscored the prosecution's dedication to ensuring that complaints are not driven by vengeance, falsehood, or controversy.

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both delayed justice and hurried justice amount to a denial of justice.