In a striking reversal, Mohammad Samrat Robayet, central coordinator of a private anti-discrimination student movement, has withdrawn allegations previously levelled against Mohammad Tajul Islam, the former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The retraction comes just two weeks after the initial complaint, underscoring the sensitive and highly scrutinised nature of the case.
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Initial Allegations
On 25 February 2026, Samrat Robayet submitted a written complaint to the current Chief Prosecutor, Aminul Islam, accusing Tajul Islam of serious misconduct. The allegations centred on purported irregularities during investigations of crimes committed in Chittagong during the July uprising, particularly involving former parliamentarian ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury and his family.
Robayet claimed that Tajul Islam had deliberately shielded Faraz Karim Chowdhury, son of Fazle Karim, from legal action. According to the complaint, Tajul Islam had exercised special legal powers to remove Faraz’s name from arrest warrants, despite over 55 witnesses directly implicating him in tribunal investigations. The complaint further alleged that Tajul Islam maintained regular communication with Faraz’s mother due to familial connections and that a conspiracy extended to granting bail to Fazle Karim under questionable circumstances, despite reports indicating his health was normal.
In addition, the complaint implicated Tajul Islam’s close associates—prosecutors Gazi Monowar Hussain Tamim, Md. Mizanul Islam, and Tarek Abdullah—alleging a coordinated effort to shield identified offenders from legal scrutiny.
Retraction
On 9 March 2026, Samrat Robayet submitted a formal retraction to the tribunal, effectively withdrawing all prior allegations. The reversal has been interpreted as an acknowledgment that the initial claims were unsubstantiated or could have disrupted ongoing judicial proceedings.
Tajul Islam and the other prosecutors named in the original complaint have consistently denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated attempts to undermine the tribunal’s integrity.
Timeline of Allegations
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 25 February 2026 | Samrat Robayet submits written complaint against Tajul Islam to Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam |
| 25 Feb–9 Mar 2026 | Allegations circulate publicly, citing special powers used to shield Faraz Karim |
| 9 March 2026 | Samrat Robayet submits formal retraction, withdrawing all previous allegations |
| Ongoing | Tajul Islam and associated prosecutors maintain that allegations are false and politically motivated |
Broader Implications
The episode highlights the sensitivity and high stakes inherent in ICT investigations. While allegations of interference in justice are serious, their retraction demonstrates the tribunal’s procedural robustness and the need for evidence-based claims. Experts note that such reversals, though uncommon, can shape public perception of accountability and reinforce the importance of careful handling of high-profile accusations.