Allegations of corruption and irregularities have been brought forward by a prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal against Tajul Islam, the former chief prosecutor of the court, and another prosecutor, Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim.
In a recent Facebook post, Prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud made serious accusations, citing instances of irregularities such as monetary transactions and questionable conduct in handling prominent cases.
According to the post, in late November of last year, the wife of Abzal, a defendant in a case involving the killing and burning of six bodies in Ashulia, was seen entering Tamim’s office in the evening with a heavy bag.
“Upon noticing this, we promptly informed Tajul Islam, but no action was taken; instead, we faced reprimands,” claimed Sultan.
He further alleged that Tamim later confessed to others that Abzal’s wife had visited his office. “The chief prosecutor merely questioned why the defendant’s wife had entered his room, and the matter was left unresolved,” he stated.
Sultan raised concerns about the Chankharpul case, where law enforcement officers fired at protesters, resulting in the deaths of at least six people. He asserted that despite a video showing Sub-Inspector Ashraful instructing others to open fire, he was designated as a witness instead of a suspect. “I possess the video evidence, which can be reviewed if necessary,” he mentioned.
He also questioned the removal of Assistant Police Commissioner Al Imran Hossain from the Abu Sayed killing case in Rangpur, alleging that several witnesses had implicated Imran before the court.
Sultan additionally claimed that former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was unjustly made a state witness. “Under his directives, his officers caused distress to numerous individuals,” he asserted.
“Not only IGP Mamun, but in the Ashulia case, Abzal was also made a state witness in exchange for money. A group of individuals has been engaged in this scheme from the beginning,” he alleged.
He further accused “Tajul and Shishir Monir’s group” of enabling notorious police officers, including the IGP, to avoid trial and transforming the chief prosecutor’s office into a money-generating entity.
“Are these not acts of corruption? Is this not a betrayal of the sacrifices made by the martyrs?” he questioned.
In response to the allegations during a recent press conference, Tajul Islam stated, “These are personal accusations of which I have no knowledge. Such claims have been thoroughly investigated and found to be entirely baseless. It is regrettable if individuals spread such falsehoods out of personal animosity.”
“The tribunal’s proceedings have been transparent and validated in court. Those making unfounded allegations with malicious intent should remember that the public and media have witnessed the transparency of the trials,” he added.
Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim informed The Daily Star, “These accusations against me are driven by personal malice. As a prosecutor administrator, many individuals visit my office daily. I firmly deny any accusations against me.”
Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Manir expressed astonishment at the allegations, deeming them as “fantastic and speculative, lacking substantial evidence.”
“If there is credible information, it should be disclosed publicly. I am prepared to address any credible accusations,” he emphasized.
When queried about investigating the corruption claims, newly appointed Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam stated that he would act upon receiving a formal complaint.
“Today is not the appropriate time for such inquiries,” he mentioned.