International Crimes Tribunal has allowed two months’ time to conclude the investigation into the July-August genocide case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The three-member judicial panel, led by Tribunal Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza, issued the extension on Tuesday (17 December).
The other members of the panel are Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
It has directed the submission of the investigation report by 18 February and sought updates on Interpol’s efforts to extradite Sheikh Hasina from India.
The development follows the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August amid a nationwide public uprising. Subsequently, the interim government initiated proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal to investigate and prosecute crimes against humanity, including genocide, committed in July and August. The Tribunal began its operations on 17 October.
The first hearing of the July-August genocide case took place on 18 November.
Following that session, the Tribunal had initially granted one month, setting 17 December as the deadline for submitting the investigation report.
With today’s decision, the Tribunal has now extended the deadline by a further two months.
In a parallel directive, the Tribunal has ordered the completion of investigations within two months against 16 individuals, including 12 former ministers, implicated in the same genocide case.
The directive was issued following their appearance in court this morning.
The Tribunal’s proceedings underscore the interim government’s commitment to accountability for crimes committed during the tumultuous months leading up to the regime’s collapse.
The investigative team now faces a firm deadline of 18 February to conclude their findings.
