Serious allegations of corruption and administrative malpractice have emerged against Mohammad Tajul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), following claims made by tribunal prosecutor B. M. Sultan Mahmud. According to Sultan Mahmud, a syndicate led by Tajul Islam has been exploiting the Chief Prosecutor’s office for financial gain.
On Monday, Sultan Mahmud shared two comments via Kazi Mostafizur Rahman Ahader’s Facebook account, under the post titled “Trade Settlements and Royal Witnesses at the Tribunal: Why Is Tajul Islam Being Replaced?” In these statements, he accused Tajul Islam and fellow prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim of corruption. Additionally, he questioned the roles of former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al–Mamun and former Ashulia police SI Sheikh Abzalul Haque, alleging they acted as “approvers” or protected witnesses in certain cases.
Sultan Mahmud specifically cited the Shahid Abu Saeed murder case in Rangpur, highlighting how a police officer allegedly responsible for crimes against humanity was dismissed yet not charged, instead being made a witness. He also claimed that in the Ashulia corpse-burning case, SI Abzalul Haque’s wife entered Prosecutor Tamim’s office carrying a heavy bag, and rather than taking action, Tajul Islam reportedly rebuked others. Eventually, SI Afzal was allowed to act as a protected witness and was exonerated.
Ashulia Case Verdict – 5 February
| Accused/Witness | Sentence/Status |
|---|---|
| 6 accused | Death penalty |
| 7 accused | Life imprisonment |
| 2 accused | 7 years imprisonment each |
| SI Sheikh Abzalul Haque | Protected witness (approver) |
Sultan Mahmud further alleged that in the Chankharpul incident, video footage clearly shows SI Ashraful giving orders to fire, yet he was made a witness rather than an accused. Questions were also raised regarding the dismissal of AC Imran in the Abu Saeed case and the designation of former IGP Abdullah Al–Mamun as a protected witness.
Responding to the allegations on Tuesday, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam told journalists: “We do not give weight to individual claims. These accusations are entirely false and stem from personal grievances. Tribunal proceedings have been conducted with full transparency, and we do not consider baseless claims in any way.”
The dispute has ignited fresh debate over administrative integrity within the ICT, with Sultan Mahmud’s statements alleging that a syndicate around the Chief Prosecutor’s office has fostered irregularities and conflicts of interest. This controversy raises new questions regarding the accountability and transparency of Bangladesh’s justice system and its international tribunals.