ICT Chief prosecutor vows probe into Tk 1cr bail bribe claim
A bribery scandal has erupted at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) after allegations surfaced that a now-resigned prosecutor demanded Tk 1 crore to secure bail for an accused in a crimes against humanity case, prompting the Chief Prosecutor to order an internal investigation.
Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said on Tuesday, March 10, that the allegation against former prosecutor Saimum Reza Talukder would be formally investigated.
The controversy broke out after a reported phone conversation in which Talukder allegedly asked the family of former Awami League MP ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury for Tk 1 crore in exchange for arranging bail, which was circulated in several media outlets.
Chowdhury is an accused in a crimes against humanity case linked to violence in Chattogram during the anti-discrimination movement.
Speaking to reporters at his office, Aminul Islam described the allegation as extremely serious.
“This is a grave accusation. Such allegations should never arise against any of our prosecutors,” he said.
He added that action should ideally have been taken as soon as the complaint surfaced, but suggested that a lack of a formal complaint may have delayed any response.
“There have been reports in the media, but unless a formal complaint reaches us, we do not have a legal obligation to act,” he said, noting that it was unclear whether the issue had been formally placed before former Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam.
Aminul Islam said prosecutors had already held a meeting where it was decided that the allegation would be investigated internally.
“We will examine all issues related to this matter. If I find any irregularity, I will report it to the authorities,” he said. “If necessary, I will also speak with the former Chief Prosecutor.”
He warned that any hint of corruption would lead to action.
“If anyone is found even slightly involved in corruption, measures will be taken against them,” he said.
The chief prosecutor acknowledged that the allegations could damage the credibility of the tribunal itself.
“If such an issue occurs, the tribunal is certainly questioned. Our image is at risk, and the trial process is completely called into question,” he said.
The scandal has triggered fresh debate over transparency and integrity within the ICT, which handles sensitive cases related to crimes against humanity.