Prosecutor Allegedly Demanded One Crore for Bail

The family of former Awami League parliamentarian ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury has alleged that an International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) prosecutor sought a bribe of one crore taka to secure his bail. Chowdhury has been in detention since his arrest on 12 September 2024, facing charges related to crimes against humanity in connection with the July 2024 killings during student protests in Chittagong.

Allegations of Bribery

According to multiple WhatsApp audio recordings obtained and verified by Prothom Alo and Netra News, the prosecutor in question, Md. Saimum Reza Talukdar, reportedly communicated with Chowdhury’s family several times regarding bail. In one recording, Talukdar allegedly suggested that if he could secure Chowdhury’s release, an “adequate amount” would be expected, specifying one crore taka, with an advance of ten lakh taka in cash.

The family claim that they never paid any money and instead continued conversations to collect evidence of corruption.

Background of the Case

Chowdhury, who served five terms in parliament, faces allegations of targeting political opponents and supporters during the student protests that led to three deaths on 16 July 2024 and two further killings on 18 July. No formal charge sheet has yet been filed at the tribunal, though criminal cases under the Penal Code have been registered in local courts.

Prosecutor’s Background and Response

Talukdar, formerly a senior lecturer at a private university and known in Dhaka’s civil society as an internet governance and security specialist, had limited prior litigation experience before joining the ICT. He has denied the allegations, asserting that securing bail was beyond the capacity of any single prosecutor and that all tribunal actions are collective. He also stated that his resignation, tendered yesterday, was motivated by a desire to return to teaching.

Former ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam clarified that he was never provided with recordings necessary to take formal action and could not act on unverified allegations alone.

Subsequent Developments

After the February 2026 national election and the appointment of new Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam, Talukdar reportedly resumed communications with Chowdhury’s family, suggesting he could influence tribunal proceedings in favour of bail. The family also forwarded recordings to the new law minister, Md. Asaduzzaman, claiming that Talukdar alleged ministerial threats to arrest him.

The ICT continues to handle both historical cases from the 1971 Liberation War and recent cases, including those arising from the 2024 political unrest.