There was no genocide in Bangladesh in July-August: Tajul Islam

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) investigation agency has submitted an investigation report against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and three others for crimes against humanity in the violence that killed thousands of people in various parts of the country, including Dhaka, in July-August last year. However, these incidents do not fall within the definition of 'genocide', said Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam.

At a press conference held after formally submitting the report to the International Crimes Tribunal on Monday (May 12), he said that according to the international definition, these violence in Bangladesh are not considered genocide. He said, "The crimes that have occurred are 'crimes against humanity' or crimes against humanity; these may be mass killings or massacres, but not genocide."

Among the five charges brought against Sheikh Hasina is that she acted as the 'mastermind', 'commander' and 'superior commander' of these crimes against humanity. The investigation report states that Sheikh Hasina's speeches during the July uprising, especially her July 14 speech in which she called the protesting students 'sons of the king', were a major provocation. Immediately after that speech, law enforcement and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League got involved in violence.

The other two accused in this case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and the then Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. They have also been accused of direct or indirect involvement in crimes against humanity.

The Chief Prosecutor further said that a formal complaint will be filed within a maximum of two to three weeks after the final verification of the investigation report. After that, the trial of the case will begin.

When asked about the Awami League's involvement in crimes against humanity as a party, he said that the amended law now provides for such an investigation. If the investigation agency wants, an investigation can also be conducted into the role of the Awami League as a party.

Incidentally, the International Crimes Tribunal was formed on March 25, 2010, during Sheikh Hasina's government, to try the 1971 war criminals. However, after the fall of her government in July 2024, the law was amended to make contemporary crimes against humanity also triable.

This is the first investigation report officially submitted against Sheikh Hasina, which has opened the door to starting a trial against her for crimes against humanity.