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Published : 22 Oct 2025, 12:01 AM
The prosecution has warned that if 25 current and former army officers fail to appear before the International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday, their names will be published in national newspapers in line with the court’s legal provisions.
The officers have been summoned to face proceedings in two cases relating to enforced disappearances and torture during the Awami League government's tenure.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim, speaking at a press conference at the tribunal premises on Tuesday, outlined the next steps in the proceedings.
He confirmed that arrest warrants had been issued against these officers after formal charges were filed by the prosecution on Oct 8, accusing them of involvement in human rights abuses during the regime's crackdown on opposition figures.
“The tribunal has issued arrest warrants, which are to be executed by the inspector general of police,” Tamim said, referencing the tribunal's orders. “Relevant authorities, including police, have been notified and provided copies of these warrants.”
He clarified that two legal courses of action are possible. The officers may either voluntarily appear before the tribunal or face arrest and be brought to court by law enforcers.
Once in court, the tribunal will decide whether to grant bail or remand them into custody. If custody is ordered, the home ministry will determine which prison facility they are to be placed in, he said.
In the event that the officers fail to appear or cannot be arrested, Tamim explained that a public notice would be issued in two national newspapers, one in Bengali and the other in English, specifying a new date for their appearance.
"If they still fail to appear after the publication of the notice, they will be declared absconders, and the state will appoint defence lawyers for them," he added.
Following the tribunal's decision, on Oct 12, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared a building at Dhaka Cantonment as a temporary detention centre for the 15 military officers currently in custody.
The authorities, however, have not yet disclosed who exactly will be held there.
The day before, on Oct 11, the Army Headquarters announced that 15 serving officers were being detained in connection with the three cases filed by the tribunal, while the remaining officers have yet to be apprehended.
