Bribery allegations cast doubt over tribunal process: ICT chief

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam has said that bribery allegations raise questions about the tribunal’s judicial process and affect its image.

Speaking at a press conference in his office today (10 March), he referred to allegations against recently resigned prosecutor Saimum Reza Talukder. 

He said that when such claims are made against a prosecutor, the tribunal’s credibility comes under scrutiny.

Aminul Islam added that he had previously made it clear that no prosecutor would be sheltered if faced with even minimal corruption allegations. He said he had communicated this policy to all prosecutors during a meeting.

He also said, “Working at the International Crimes Tribunal requires one to be above temptations. Everyone must rise above personal gain, and those who cannot do so need not remain at the tribunal. He noted that anyone in that position is free to leave.”

Regarding the recent allegations against, he said the tribunal had seen the report and considered it a serious matter. Such claims should not have arisen, and immediate action should have been taken. 

He again added that no formal complaint has been submitted to the tribunal so far, but if one is received, an internal investigation will be conducted