Opposition demands Awami League face genocide trial at ICT

Opposition lawmakers in Bangladesh have called for the Awami League to be tried as a political party at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). They accuse the party of committing genocide, destroying democratic institutions, and looting national resources during the July 2024 mass uprising.

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We call on the government to increase the number of prosecution teams, expand the courts and tribunals, and appoint more investigating officers, so that trials at the International Crimes Tribunal can be completed swiftly.

Responding to these demands, cabinet members confirmed that investigations into the Awami League as an organization have already begun. They also emphasized that Bangladeshi law does not allow for convicted individuals to surrender, stating that those found guilty will be arrested immediately upon entering the country.

The issue was brought up during a parliamentary discussion initiated by National Citizen Party (NCP) MP Akhter Hossen. Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam asserted that the Awami League was responsible for genocide and the dismantling of democratic structures. He also alleged that the party, in collaboration with certain Indian media outlets, attempted to tarnish the July Uprising and expressed regret over former allies now opposing it.

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Awami League committed genocide, destroyed democracy, dismantled institutions and looted the country's resources.

Akhter Hossen specifically called for the return of "fallen autocrat" Sheikh Hasina and others implicated in crimes against humanity during the uprising to face swift punishment. He urged the government to bolster the number of prosecution teams, courts, and investigating officers to expedite ICT trials, highlighting that hundreds of cases have been filed without charge sheets being submitted.

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no new investigation report had been submitted to the ICT over the past six months.

Jamaat MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem noted a six-month gap since the last ICT investigation report and alleged underfunding and understaffing of the investigation agency and tribunal. Gono Adhikar Parishad MP Nurul Haque Nur appealed for political consensus on trying "fascism" and preventing any such force from regaining power or engaging in anti-people activities, reiterating the call for the Awami League to be tried as a party.

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no fascist force should be allowed to return to power in the future, take anti-people positions or carry out killings and massacres, adding that Awami League must be tried as a political party.