The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Aminul Islam, has described the enforced disappearance law as unnecessary, asserting that the tribunal’s existing legal framework already provided the authority to prosecute such offences.
Speaking at a press conference at his office on Tuesday, 7 April, Aminul Islam explained that the offences covered under the enforced disappearance ordinance were already defined and actionable under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act. He stated, “The crime of enforced disappearance was already codified within the Tribunal Act. There was no need to establish a separate law or create another tribunal to adjudicate these cases. In essence, enforced disappearances could have been prosecuted effectively under the existing tribunal law.”
He further expressed his gratitude to lawmakers, adding, “With the repeal of the enforced disappearance ordinance and its integration into the Tribunal Act, I would like to thank the Law Minister and Members of Parliament. This ordinance was, in our view, an unnecessary piece of legislation, and its merger with the Tribunal Act is a commendable and appropriate decision.”
The Chief Prosecutor emphasised that this consolidation strengthens the tribunal’s legal framework, making prosecutions more streamlined and legally coherent. “Integrating it with the Tribunal Act ensures both efficiency and judicial consistency,” he noted.
In a significant parliamentary development, the International Crimes Tribunals (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed today to facilitate the prosecution of enforced disappearances. The amendment formally defines enforced disappearance as a ‘crime against humanity’, thereby ensuring that cases can be tried under international legal standards. Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman introduced the bill in parliament, which was subsequently approved through a voice vote.
Key details of the amendment are summarised in the table below:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Bill Name | International Crimes Tribunals (Amendment) Bill 2026 |
| Parliamentary Approval | 7 April 2026 |
| Voting Method | Voice Vote |
| Definition Introduced | Enforced disappearance recognised as a crime against humanity |
| Responsible Minister | Md. Asaduzzaman, Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs |
| Objective | Streamline enforcement and integrate offences under the Tribunal Act |
Legal analysts have welcomed the amendment, noting that it strengthens the tribunal’s mandate and removes procedural ambiguities that arose from having a separate ordinance. The integration is expected to expedite trials, improve judicial coherence, and enhance public confidence in the tribunal’s operations.
The Chief Prosecutor concluded by asserting that the legal consolidation represents a positive step towards upholding both domestic and international standards of justice, ensuring that perpetrators of enforced disappearances are held accountable under a clear and unified legal framework.
This legislative update marks a significant step in reinforcing Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing crimes against humanity effectively and systematically.