Sylhet Correspondent //

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia Tajul Islam expects to receive the investigation reports of several major cases including Sheikh Hasina this month. He also said that it is possible to start the trial in one to one and a half months after receiving the reports.

He told reporters after participating in a workshop on law enforcement, including the importance of human rights and the environment in the country’s changing context, organized at the Sylhet Primary Teachers Training Institute on Saturday afternoon.

Tajul Islam also said that justice will be ensured in the case by maintaining international standards.

Tajul Islam came to Sylhet this morning to participate in a workshop on law enforcement, including the importance of human rights and the environment in the country’s changing context.

When asked about the latest information on Sheikh Hasina’s trial in the genocide case, he said, “Look, as the Chief Prosecutor, I cannot say when the verdict of the trial will be announced.” What we can tell you is that we hope to receive the investigation reports of several major cases, including Sheikh Hasina, within this month. If we officially receive the reports, the trial process will begin within one to one and a half months. Only when the trial process begins will we understand exactly how long it will take to complete. Because the court has the jurisdiction to raise the issues of evidence and witnesses from both sides. However, we would like the tribunal’s trial to continue without interruption every day. That should be as fast as possible – but the trial must be conducted while ensuring international standards and justice.

To a question about bringing Sheikh Hasina back, he said, “Look, one of the legal methods to bring Sheikh Hasina back is to issue a red notice through Interpol and try to arrest her, which is being done by the government. Whenever we receive an arrest warrant from the tribunal, it is sent to Interpol in light of that. Secondly, since she is staying in India, we have an agreement with India, an agreement on the extradition of criminals. That was done by the Awami League government in 2013.” According to the terms of that agreement, India is obliged to extradite any accused who has fled from Bangladesh if he is in India.

He said that Bangladesh has made a request to India as per that agreement. India has received it but has not responded yet.

He also said that India will have to decide whether it will take the side of the criminal or stand for the rule of law in favor of justice for the genocide murderers. That is why we hope that India will extradite him. If it does not, then the system of trial in Bangladesh according to the law will continue in his absence.

Express your opinion.