Effective investigation underway against Awami League: chief prosecutor

An “effective investigation” is underway against the Awami League as an organisation over allegations of crimes against humanity, International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said on Sunday.

He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at his office.

Explaining the legal distinction between the party and its leaders, Aminul Islam said Sheikh Hasina’s individual case is separate from any proceedings against the Awami League as an organisation. He said Hasina has been convicted and faced orders involving fines and confiscation of her personal assets.

If the Awami League is prosecuted as an organisation, however, it could face legal consequences in its capacity as a “juristic person”, including financial penalties and confiscation of its assets, he said.

The chief prosecutor said the International Crimes Tribunal Act provides for such measures if crimes against humanity, including incidents involving deaths and injuries, were committed through the organisation.

Asked about the party’s properties, Aminul Islam said the Awami League has two known offices, which he described as apparently abandoned, while the property at Dhanmondi 32 may be held under a trust. He said the government could keep such properties under its supervision to prevent any criminal activity there.

He added that the properties could be confiscated subject to a court order if the party is prosecuted and convicted as an organisation.

Asked about the progress of the investigation, the chief prosecutor said it was ongoing and being conducted effectively.

He said it was difficult to specify when the investigation would be completed, as examining the Awami League as an organisation involves a wide range of issues requiring detailed analysis.

SKS