Two groups want ICT to investigate, arrest former presidents Abdul Hamid, Shahabuddin

The complaints accuse them of bearing responsibility for alleged killings, enforced disappearances and crimes against humanity

Former presidents Abdul Hamid and Mohammad Shahabuddin are facing complaints at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) over their alleged role in major incidents from the Pilkhana killings to the July Uprising.

Bangladesh Azad Party and Rashtra Sanskar Forum accuse the pair of bearing superior responsibility for alleged killings, enforced disappearances and crimes against humanity.

The two organisations have asked the tribunal to investigate the allegations and order their arrest.

The complaints were submitted to Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam on Sunday by Bangladesh Azad Party Chief Organiser Borhan Mahmud and Rashtra Sanskar Forum Member Secretary Al Noor Mohammad Ayas.

Asked about the legal process, ICT Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told bdnews24.com that every complaint is registered before being forwarded to the investigation agency.

An investigation begins only if the agency finds sufficient grounds.

He said no decision had yet been taken on whether these complaints would be sent for investigation, adding that a person becomes a suspect only after an investigation is opened.

Borhan alleged the former presidents bore responsibility for failing to act during major incidents, while Ayas accused Shahabuddin of inaction during the July Uprising and sought an impartial investigation into his alleged role.

Borhan claimed the chief prosecutor had accepted the complaints and assured them of due legal process.