Leaked audio ‘authentic’ in bribery allegations against former ICT prosecutor

Chief Prosecutor Aminul says the suspect’s resignation does not grant him immunity from the ongoing probe

A fact-finding committee has said a leaked audio clip involving former International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) prosecutor Saimum Reza Talukder, who allegedly discussed a bribe with the wife of a suspect, is “authentic”.

Despite Saimum’s voluntary resignation following interrogation, the investigation into his conduct will proceed, ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said on Tuesday.

The controversy erupted after an audio recording surfaced on social media, purportedly featuring a conversation between Saimum and the wife of ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, a former member of parliament from Chattogram and a suspect accused in a case currently pending before the ICT.

The dialogue reportedly centred on financial transactions in exchange for legal favours.

"After the matter was reported in the media, we formed a fact-finding committee. The committee has already found the audio record to be authentic," Aminul said.

"The voices of both the former MP’s wife and prosecutor Saimum Reza have been identified in the conversation."

While the verbal exchange has been verified, the chief prosecutor noted that the committee has yet to confirm whether any actual money changed hands.

"…whether any physical transaction occurred is still being investigated by the committee," he added.

Saimum stepped down from his post after being questioned by the tribunal authorities regarding the leak.