‘Normal for elected govt to choose its own people,’ says departing ICT chief prosecutor

The Supreme Court lawyer welcomes his successor and says there is nothing unusual about the decision

Tajul Islam has described his removal as chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) as a “normal phenomenon”, saying it is natural for an elected government to appoint people of its choice to key state positions.

Speaking to reporters at the tribunal premises on Monday, the Supreme Court lawyer welcomed his successor and said there was nothing unusual about the decision.

“Whenever an elected government comes to power, it naturally replaces people with those of its choice. I don’t find that abnormal. It’s a very normal process,” he said.

Tajul, who served as chief prosecutor for about a year and a half, said his feelings were “bittersweet”.

“My first reaction is to welcome the new chief prosecutor. I wish him success in carrying forward the unfinished responsibilities we are leaving behind,” he said.

He expressed hope that trials related to the July-August student-led movement and cases involving enforced disappearances and killings over the past 15 years would continue under the new leadership.

‘Very difficult time’

Recalling the period when he assumed office during the interim government, Tajul said he took charge in “a very difficult time” for the country.

“When I took charge, the main building was abandoned. Activities were running from a tin shed. The previous prosecution team had fled, leaving everything in disarray. Books and documents were getting soaked in the rain — we started amid that chaos,” he said.

He said the prosecution team had visited hospitals to collect evidence from injured victims and had advanced investigations into enforced disappearances.

Tajul thanked the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, families of victims, witnesses and the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus for their cooperation in reviving the tribunal’s work.

Asked whether he had prior knowledge of his removal and why he did not resign, Tajul said the government had initially indicated continuity.

“But yesterday it was indicated that the government wanted to bring in someone new. I asked whether I should resign, but was told it wasn’t necessary, as I would be replaced through the natural process. A resignation could have sent a different message,” he said.

Responding to questions about whether the prosecution had selectively chosen accused individuals, Tajul said such an approach was consistent with international crimes law.

“In trials for crimes against humanity, you do not see thousands of soldiers punished en masse. Globally, top commanders and those directly involved in atrocities are held accountable,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the tribunal’s verdicts delivered during his tenure would withstand scrutiny in higher courts.

“I am very confident. The judgments delivered and the documents we presented leave no scope to be overturned. If you review past tribunal records, you will see the strength of the evidence we placed before the court,” he said.

Tajul thanked the media for covering the tribunal’s activities over the past 18 months and expressed hope that Bangladesh would not witness enforced disappearances or crimes against humanity again.

“My primary identity is that of a Supreme Court lawyer. I will return to my regular legal practice. I won’t remain unemployed even for a day. For now, I’m not taking up any other position,” he said.