“Tribunal reviews Awami League’s post-election comeback prospects.”

Dhaka, Bangladesh: The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) witnessed a tense hearing this week as the prosecution and defence clashed over procedural delays in the war crimes case against former ICT State Minister Junaid Ahmed Palak and Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy.

The controversy centred on remarks made by the Chief Prosecutor, Mohammad Tajul Islam, who accused the defence of deliberately delaying proceedings in the hope that upcoming national elections would halt or influence the judicial process.

During the hearing on the formation of charges related to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July 1971 uprising, Tribunal Judge Shafiul Alam Mahmud sharply responded to comments linking the trial to political outcomes. The judge remarked: “Why suggest that if an election occurs, the Awami League, currently suspended from certain activities, would automatically come to power? Such statements are unacceptable in court.”

The hearing was conducted before a three-member judicial panel led by ICT-1 Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder. The tribunal reviewed prima facie grounds presented by the prosecution, which seeks to formally begin trials against Joy and Palak.

The defence requested additional time to prepare, citing technical difficulties in accessing seized evidence. Liton Ahmed, counsel for Palak, stated that during a scheduled prison visit last Friday, authorities did not allow them to bring laptops or pen drives into the prison, which prevented them from reviewing ten video footages relevant to the case. According to Ahmed, some of the videos failed to open on their devices. The Chief Prosecutor countered, asserting that the files were intact and the issue lay with the defence’s equipment.

The tribunal allowed the defence until Thursday to complete their review and conduct the hearing, while also noting the formal charges’ extensive length required careful reading.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam accused the defence of intentionally slowing proceedings: “They hope that if an election takes place, judicial action will be delayed or stopped.” In response, Judge Shafiul Alam Mahmud reiterated that linking the trial to electoral outcomes was inappropriate. The tribunal confirmed the next hearing will take place on Thursday, 17 January 2026, granting the defence additional time to prepare.

Case Summary Table:

The hearing highlights the ongoing tension between judicial procedure and political speculation in high-profile war crimes cases. While the prosecution presses forward, the tribunal has emphasised adherence to due process, rejecting any suggestion that upcoming elections could influence justice.