Coordinator Retracts Allegations Against Former Chief Prosecutor

In a dramatic reversal, Mohammad Samrat Robayet, central coordinator of a private anti-discrimination student movement, has withdrawn allegations he had made against Mohammad Tajul Islam, the former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The retraction comes just two weeks after the initial complaints were submitted, highlighting the complex and highly scrutinised nature of the case.

Initial Allegations

On 25 February 2026, Samrat Robayet submitted a written complaint to the current Chief Prosecutor, Aminul Islam, alleging serious misconduct by Tajul Islam. The complaint centred on purported irregularities during investigations of crimes committed in Chittagong during the July uprising, specifically related to former parliamentarian ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury and his family.

Robayet had claimed that Tajul Islam had deliberately shielded Faraz Karim Chowdhury, the son of Fazle Karim, from legal action. According to the complaint, the former Chief Prosecutor used special legal powers to exclude Faraz’s name from arrest warrants, despite over 55 witnesses naming him directly during tribunal investigations. The complaint also alleged that Tajul Islam maintained regular communication with Faraz’s mother due to familial ties, and that the conspiracy extended to granting bail to Fazle Karim under questionable circumstances, despite his health being reported as normal.

The complaint further implicated Tajul Islam’s close associates—prosecutors Gazi Monowar Hussain Tamim, Md. Mizanul Islam, and Tarek Abdullah—as part of a coordinated effort to shield identified offenders from legal scrutiny.

Retraction

On 9 March 2026, Samrat Robayet submitted a formal letter of withdrawal to the tribunal, effectively retracting all previous allegations. The withdrawal has been interpreted as a recognition that the initial claims were unsubstantiated or potentially disruptive to ongoing judicial processes.

Both Tajul Islam and the other prosecutors named in the original complaint have consistently rejected the accusations, calling them baseless and an attempt to undermine the tribunal’s integrity.

Timeline of Allegations

Broader Implications

The episode underscores the sensitivity and high stakes of investigations conducted by the ICT. While allegations of interference in justice are serious, their retraction demonstrates the tribunal’s procedural robustness and the importance of substantiated evidence. Observers note that such reversals, while rare, can influence public perception of accountability and highlight the need for cautious handling of high-profile accusations.