Bangladesh prosecutor rejects Human Rights Watch criticism of tribunal

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal chief prosecutor rejected a Human Rights Watch report questioning the fairness of tribunal proceedings, calling it “biased” and “one-sided.”

Md Aminul Islam said the rights group did not consult prosecutors or the tribunal’s investigation agency before issuing its findings. Human Rights Watch said prosecutions over abuses under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government were falling short of international fair trial standards.

The group cited arrest and detention rules, limited appeal rights, inadequate defense preparation time and safeguards for trials in absentia. It also questioned duplicated passages in witness statements and an allegation that a prosecutor sought Tk 10 million (approximately $80,800) for bail.

Aminul said similarities were natural in cases arising from the same incidents. He said the prosecutor was removed and a fact-finding committee was investigating the bribery allegation.