Bangladesh ICT Prosecution Warns Army Over Serving Officers’ Trial

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) prosecution has issued a stern warning to the army, stating that 15 serving officers will be declared “fugitives” if they fail to appear in court on Wednesday. This follows arrest warrants issued on October 8 against 16 current army officers and 14 others, including deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for their alleged involvement in enforced disappearances, abductions, and torture of political dissidents during the previous Awami League government.

ICT-BD Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim stated that if the officers fail to report, a new court date will be set, and notices published in two newspapers. Non-appearance on the rescheduled date would lead to them being officially declared absconding. Under the ICT-BD Act, accused officers can either appear voluntarily or be arrested by law enforcement to face trial.

The Bangladesh Army previously confirmed that 15 of the 16 officers were taken into military custody soon after the warrants were issued. However, the army claimed it had not received copies of the warrants and raised concerns over trying serving officers in a civil court under ICT-BD rules instead of through a court-martial under the Army Act. The 16th officer, a major general and former military secretary to Hasina, reportedly went into hiding, though measures were taken to prevent him from leaving the country.

This development has sparked anxiety across Bangladesh, with the government reportedly designating a building inside Dhaka Cantonment as a makeshift detention facility. Former military officers and analysts have warned that prosecuting serving officers in a civil court could affect the morale of the armed forces, given that traditional army laws do not apply to civil trials.

The political backdrop remains tense. Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, who took charge after the student-led July Uprising ousted the Awami League on August 5, 2024, has amended the ICT-BD law to facilitate trials of past regime leaders. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has urged caution, emphasizing the need to maintain stability within the army ahead of planned general elections in February 2026.

Meanwhile, supporters of the Awami League continue to stage flash protests across Dhaka, highlighting ongoing political unrest. Police reportedly arrested at least six activists during marches on Tuesday.

As the ICT-BD pushes forward with its high-profile prosecutions, the confrontation with the army underscores the delicate balance between justice, military authority, and political stability in Bangladesh.