Army emphasises respect for law and fair trial process
Brig Gen Md Mustafizur Rahman, director of the PS Directorate under the AG’s Branch at the Army Headquarters, said the government has yet to issue a clear directive regarding the job status of the 15 army officers facing trial before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
The 15 serving officers were produced before the tribunal on October 22 to face trial for their alleged involvement in enforced disappearances under the Awami League regime and for killings during the July Uprising.
Responding to a question on whether the officers remain in service, Mustafizur said the issue falls under a legal and procedural framework.
“You are referring to the third amendment to the ICT Rules, which was published on October 6. In that amendment, the issue of disqualification to hold any public office has arisen. There is no problem of legality, but rather a question of interpretation, as it can be understood in various ways,” he said.
He added, “We are in engagement with the government on this matter and are awaiting a clear directive. If disqualification means termination, then how the termination will be executed is not clearly stated in the amendment. The definition of ‘public office’ in the case of army officers also requires further clarification. We hope the matter will be resolved fairly and that a positive outcome will emerge.”
Earlier, referring to discussions about the trial of army officers under the ICT Act, Mustafizur said both the Army Act 1952 and the ICT Act 1973 are special laws.
“These two special acts will not be placed face to face. The case is being conducted under the ICT Act. We are in engagement with the government and remain respectful to the law. We want the trial to be completed through a transparent process,” he said.
He further said, “We are sympathetic towards the victims of enforced disappearance and killings. At the same time, we are aware of the rights and privileges of our officers. We are maintaining communication with the government over these issues and will proceed as per its direction. If the government decides to conduct the trial under the Army Act, we are prepared for that.”
The tribunal issued arrest warrants against 32 accused, including the 15 officers, on October 8 after taking cognisance of formal charges. The Bangladesh Army announced on October 11 that the 15 serving officers had been taken into custody.
According to the prosecution, one case involves the Task Force for Interrogation (TFI) Cell, operated by the Rapid Action Battalion. Fourteen detainees were allegedly confined and tortured there between 2016 and 2024.
The second case concerns the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC), operated by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), where 24 victims were allegedly detained and tortured between 2016 and August 2024.
The third case involves the killings of 28 people during the student-led protests in Dhaka’s Rampura on July 18-19 last year.
