Crime & Justice

Crimes against humanity: ICT analysing Hasina’s phone calls, documents

Say 2 prosecutors of the special tribunal
ICT investigating Hasina's involvement in crimes

Sheikh Hasina's phone calls and documents of meetings in July-August are being analysed as part of a probe into allegations of crimes against humanity during the 2024 mass uprising.

The International Crimes Tribunal's investigation agency is analysing the records "carefully" to ensure fairness, according to the prosecution.

To ensure an accurate, speedy and thorough investigation, the agency is utilising state documents and modern technology, such as geolocation tools, video analysis, and forensic reports.

The prosecution said it is focusing on a series of meetings led by the former prime minister before and after the nationwide curfew aimed at suppressing the student-led uprising.

Two ICT prosecutors, requesting anonymity, told The Daily Star that the investigation agency has collected original videos, photos, and phone records related to the killings of students and civilians during the July-August protests.

One of the prosecutors said the investigators are consulting ballistic experts for analysing the sound of gunshots to help identify the individuals involved in the crimes.

The investigation is not limited to Hasina alone. The agency is also investigating other individuals involved, based on the documents it has gathered.

The ICT is prioritising cases involving the former minister, MPs, Hasina's advisers, a former army official, and high-ranking police officials as these individuals held significant power and responsibility.

The investigation team has requested phone records from the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) and the national identity card server for further evidence.

The NTMC is a national intelligence agency responsible for monitoring, collecting, and intercepting electronic communications, such as phone calls, emails, and social media accounts.

Major General Ziaul Ahsan, who headed the NTMC during Hasina's rule, is also accused of crimes against humanity and is currently in jail.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam previously said that Hasina was central to a nationwide network of secret detention cells during the 15 years of the Awami League rule.

He said the investigation team gathered evidence pointing to Hasina's direct involvement in enforced disappearances and torture in these secret detention facilities.

The ICT on December 18 extended by two months the deadline for completing the investigations into two cases against Hasina.

Alongside her, former roads and bridges minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, and 44 others are currently facing charges in a case of crimes against humanity and genocide. Hasina is the lone accused in the other case on the same charges.

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Crimes against humanity: ICT analysing Hasina’s phone calls, documents

Say 2 prosecutors of the special tribunal
ICT investigating Hasina's involvement in crimes

Sheikh Hasina's phone calls and documents of meetings in July-August are being analysed as part of a probe into allegations of crimes against humanity during the 2024 mass uprising.

The International Crimes Tribunal's investigation agency is analysing the records "carefully" to ensure fairness, according to the prosecution.

To ensure an accurate, speedy and thorough investigation, the agency is utilising state documents and modern technology, such as geolocation tools, video analysis, and forensic reports.

The prosecution said it is focusing on a series of meetings led by the former prime minister before and after the nationwide curfew aimed at suppressing the student-led uprising.

Two ICT prosecutors, requesting anonymity, told The Daily Star that the investigation agency has collected original videos, photos, and phone records related to the killings of students and civilians during the July-August protests.

One of the prosecutors said the investigators are consulting ballistic experts for analysing the sound of gunshots to help identify the individuals involved in the crimes.

The investigation is not limited to Hasina alone. The agency is also investigating other individuals involved, based on the documents it has gathered.

The ICT is prioritising cases involving the former minister, MPs, Hasina's advisers, a former army official, and high-ranking police officials as these individuals held significant power and responsibility.

The investigation team has requested phone records from the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) and the national identity card server for further evidence.

The NTMC is a national intelligence agency responsible for monitoring, collecting, and intercepting electronic communications, such as phone calls, emails, and social media accounts.

Major General Ziaul Ahsan, who headed the NTMC during Hasina's rule, is also accused of crimes against humanity and is currently in jail.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam previously said that Hasina was central to a nationwide network of secret detention cells during the 15 years of the Awami League rule.

He said the investigation team gathered evidence pointing to Hasina's direct involvement in enforced disappearances and torture in these secret detention facilities.

The ICT on December 18 extended by two months the deadline for completing the investigations into two cases against Hasina.

Alongside her, former roads and bridges minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, and 44 others are currently facing charges in a case of crimes against humanity and genocide. Hasina is the lone accused in the other case on the same charges.

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