Dhaka — The Chief Prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Mohammad Tajul Islam, has been removed from his position following explosive allegations that he accepted bribes worth approximately Tk 10 billion to turn a former Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other accused individuals into state witnesses in exchange for immunity.
The allegations were publicly raised by fellow ICT prosecutor B.M. Sultan Mahmud in a series of social media posts, triggering widespread controversy and prompting authorities to take action in what sources describe as an effort to protect the tribunal’s credibility.
Alleged Bribery to Shield Former IGP
According to Sultan Mahmud, the most serious allegation centers on former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who was arrested in connection with killings during the July–August uprising. Mahmud claims that a financial deal was orchestrated to turn the former police chief into a state witness, effectively granting him legal protection.
He further alleged that meetings took place at an investigation office in Dhanmondi, where Tajul Islam and Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir allegedly coordinated what Mahmud described as a “syndicate.” Mahmud claimed that rather than pursuing arrests of “notorious police officers,” the group facilitated safe exits for certain individuals while using the Chief Prosecutor’s office as a tool for financial gain.
Claims of Cash Transactions in Other Cases
Mahmud also referred to another incident involving a case related to the burning of bodies in Ashulia. He alleged that the wife of an accused individual entered a prosecutor’s chamber carrying a “heavy bag,” implying it contained cash. According to him, despite informing Tajul Islam of the matter, no action was taken. The accused was later reportedly made a state witness and acquitted in the final verdict.
Additional allegations include claims that video evidence of a police officer firing at protesters in Chankharpul was ignored, with the officer instead treated as a witness. In another case in Rangpur, witnesses reportedly named a police official in court, yet he was allegedly granted exemption from prosecution.
Mahmud further accused the tribunal of deliberately prolonging proceedings in cases filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, describing it as a betrayal of public trust.
Internal Rift Exposed
In response to criticism over his own role as a prosecutor, Mahmud stated that he had raised concerns internally and mobilized families of victims but saw no corrective action.
Analysts suggest that the dispute may reflect deeper internal divisions within the tribunal, possibly linked to disagreements over how high-profile cases were being handled. Some observers speculate that financial disputes among insiders may have led to the public fallout.
Authorities have not yet issued a detailed official statement regarding the specific grounds for Tajul Islam’s removal. However, sources indicate that the decision was made to safeguard the tribunal’s institutional integrity amid mounting public scrutiny.
The allegations mark one of the most serious controversies in the tribunal’s history, raising fresh concerns over accountability and transparency within the country’s judicial processes.
