Dhaka: Chairman of the newly constituted International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2), Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, today expressed his firm conviction to complete the trial process in his court successfully. "Allah is kind, nothing to be worried... will take the 'boat of justice' to the bank. By keeping ourselves above all fears and maintaining the international standard, we will try to ensure justice neutrally," he stated while addressing a reception held for him and his two colleagues at the makeshift courtroom of the Attorney General and the Chief Prosecutor of the ICT.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the other two members of ICT-2, Justice Md Manjurul Basid and Justice Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir, were also present on the dais while Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman and Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam addressed the function. The ICT-2 chairman sought cooperation from all, including the attorney general and the ICT chief prosecutor.
After the reception, Attorney General Asaduzzaman told journalists that they aim to see the tribunal's trials conducted without controversy and upholding international standards. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam mentioned that the ICT-2 has commenced its journey with this reception at the courtroom. Some cases would be transferred to Tribunal-2 from ICT-1, and new cases would be submitted, he added, expressing hope that the trial progress would be evident to the countrymen.
The ICT-2 was constituted on May 8 with Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury of the High Court Division as its Chairman, with retired district and sessions judge Md Manjurul Basid and District and Sessions Judge of Madaripur Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir appointed as members. The chairman and members of Tribunal-2 will receive salaries, allowances, and other facilities akin to the judges of the High Court, as per a notification issued.
The notification also announced the composition of Tribunal-1, comprising Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud, and retired district and sessions judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, as the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1).
Hundreds of allegations have been submitted to the tribunal against the previous Awami League government, its party cadres, and certain administrative officials, including law and order forces, accused of mass killings and crimes against humanity during last year's July-August uprising. The tribunal is currently addressing these offenses.