Shocking allegations of large-scale extortion and corruption have emerged against Mohammad Tajul Islam, the recently removed Chief Prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), with claims that cases filed over the July mass uprising were used as tools for financial coercion.
According to an investigation, Tajul and a group of close associates allegedly turned the tribunal into what critics describe as a “kangaroo court,” using threats of indictment or promises of removal from charge sheets to extract large sums of money from businessmen, political leaders, and members of law enforcement agencies.
The allegations gained momentum after bank deposit slips and internal accusations among prosecutors surfaced publicly, painting a troubling picture of what sources call an organized “case-trade” syndicate operating within the tribunal.
How the Alleged Syndicate Operated
Mohammad Tajul Islam was appointed Chief Prosecutor of the ICT on September 8, 2024. Shortly after assuming office, he allegedly appointed several close associates as prosecutors. Sources claim that soon thereafter, a systematic operation began targeting affluent individuals and political figures named in cases related to killings during the July–August student-led uprising.
Victims were allegedly pressured with threats of inclusion in genocide-related cases or offered removal from charge sheets in exchange for substantial payments.
The ‘Cashier’ and Internal Fallout
Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim has been identified by sources as a key operative and alleged “cash handler” for the network. Most transactions were reportedly conducted in cash.
However, the controversy came into public view when another ICT prosecutor, BM Sultan Mahmud, openly accused Tajul and Tamim of running a “settlement trade,” alleging that bribes were exchanged in heavy bags of cash. Sources suggest that the public fallout may have stemmed from internal disputes over the division of illicit proceeds rather than a principled objection to corruption.
Both Tajul and Tamim have denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
Bank Accounts and Deposit Slips Raise Questions
Although many transactions were allegedly conducted in cash, investigators have obtained copies of deposit slips tied to three bank accounts, suggesting that portions of the payments were routed through formal banking channels.
One specific case allegedly involved a payment agreement of 2.5 million taka in exchange for removing a suspect’s name from proceedings. The funds were reportedly deposited into accounts at:
Prime Bank Limited (IBB Mirpur Branch)
Jamuna Bank (Motijheel Branch)
Standard Chartered Bank (Gulshan Branch)
Deposit slips dated November 5 and November 27, 2024, show multiple transactions ranging from hundreds of thousands to one million taka. While the stated purposes on the slips included “loan payment” and “business,” sources claim these were cover descriptions for bribe payments.
Analysts argue that Bangladesh Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) could identify the original depositors and recipients by reviewing account statements and CCTV footage from the relevant branches.
Allegations of Overseas Fund Transfers
Sources further allege that Tajul Islam traveled to the United States and Canada for 21 days during November–December 2024. Critics claim that a portion of the alleged extorted funds was transferred abroad through informal channels, including hundi, and that the trip was linked to financial arrangements.
There is, however, no publicly available evidence confirming these claims.
Government Action and Official Response
Amid mounting controversy and reported internal turmoil within the tribunal, the government removed Tajul Islam from his position on February 23 through an official notification. Advocate Md. Aminul Islam has been appointed as the new Chief Prosecutor.
In a statement issued after his removal, Tajul Islam categorically denied all allegations, asserting:
“A vested quarter is spreading false propaganda against me to obstruct the trial process of genocide perpetrators and to provide them undue advantage.”
Prosecutor Tamim similarly dismissed the accusations as “fabricated.”
Calls for Independent Investigation
Human rights activists and legal experts say the gravity of the allegations demands an independent and transparent investigation. They argue that if individuals entrusted with delivering justice exploited the judicial process for personal enrichment, accountability is essential to restore public confidence.
As of now, no formal charges have been announced against Tajul Islam or the other accused prosecutors. Whether financial intelligence authorities and anti-corruption bodies will initiate a full inquiry remains to be seen.
