Published : 04 Oct 2026, 02:55 PM
Updated : 04 Oct 2026, 02:55 PM
Investigators are gathering evidence from across Bangladesh in a probe into allegations of crimes against humanity and terrorism against the Awami League as a political organisation, ICT Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim says, rejecting suggestions that the investigation has stalled.
Briefing journalists at the International Crimes Tribunal premises on Sunday, Tamim said the scale of the investigation meant it would take time, with information required from every district and Upazila as well as the party's branches and sub-branches.
The investigation into the Awami League as an organisation formally began last year.
Then-chief prosecutor Tajul Islam said on Oct 7 that the ICT's investigation agency had launched a formal investigation into allegations of "crimes against humanity" committed by the Awami League as a party in suppressing the student-led uprising.
An investigating officer had been assigned to the case, he said at the time.
In early July this year, Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam said the Awami League was being investigated over allegations of crimes against humanity and terrorism under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
He said the party could face a ban and confiscation of its assets under laws enacted during its own time in power if it were found guilty.
Against that backdrop, a journalist on Sunday asked whether the investigation had effectively been put into "cold storage".
Tamim said investigating the Awami League as an organisation was a vast and time-consuming task, with the appointed investigating officer reviewing material from cases across the country.
No organisation had previously faced a trial of this nature in Bangladesh, he said, describing it as a "rare" case.
The investigating officer was therefore taking the time needed and proceeding with assistance and guidance from the prosecution, Tamim added.
Asked when the investigation report might be submitted, Tamim gave no specific timeline.
"It is a time-consuming process and it will take time," he said, adding that the nationwide scope of the alleged crimes made it difficult to give a definite date.
He nevertheless expressed hope that the investigation report would be submitted within the stipulated timeframe.
The Awami League's 15-year rule ended on Aug 5, 2024, amid a student-led uprising. Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and left for India.
Three days later, an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took office. Dozens of cases were subsequently filed against Hasina and Awami League ministers, MPs and other party figures over deaths during the July-August 2024 mass uprising.
The interim government also moved to prosecute Hasina and her associates before the International Crimes Tribunal over allegations including crimes against humanity committed during the suppression of the uprising.
Calls to ban the Awami League emerged after its fall from power, particularly from leaders of the student movement that spearheaded the uprising.
On May 12, the government issued a notification banning all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations until proceedings against the party at the International Crimes Tribunal are completed.
