On the very day he stepped down as Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tajul Islam faced serious allegations of corruption and misconduct from the outgoing prosecutor B M Sultan Mahmud. Mahmud claimed that a syndicate under Tajul Islam had allegedly used the Chief Prosecutor’s office as a means of generating illicit income.
The controversy erupted following a Facebook post by an account in the name of Kazi Mostafizur Rahman Ahad, titled “Settling Commerce and Political Theatre at the Tribunal: Why is Tajul Islam Being Replaced?” Within the post, Sultan Mahmud left two comments alleging misconduct by Tajul Islam and fellow prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim.
The allegations also touched on former police officials, including ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and former Ashulia police sub-inspector Sheikh Abzalul Haque, questioning their roles as ‘approvers’ or state witnesses in high-profile cases. Mahmud cited, among others, the human rights case concerning the murder of Abu Saeed in Rangpur, alleging preferential treatment for police officers involved.
Specific Allegations by Sultan Mahmud
| Incident | Allegation | Status/Response |
|---|---|---|
| Ashulia corpse-burning case (Nov) | SI Abzalul Haque’s wife allegedly brought evidence to Tamim’s office; Tajul Islam reportedly ignored the matter | Tajul Islam denies knowledge |
| Rangpur Abu Saeed case | AC Imran allegedly relieved; ex-IGP Mamun appointed as witness | Tajul Islam rejects allegations |
| Chankharpul shooting incident | SI Ashraful allegedly directed shooting; made a witness rather than accused | Video evidence claimed by Mahmud |
| Syndicate activity | Alleged network under Tajul Islam using the Chief Prosecutor’s post to earn money | Tajul Islam calls claim false |
Sultan Mahmud asserted that in some cases, accused individuals were allegedly turned into witnesses in exchange for monetary benefits, compromising the judicial process.
Tajul Islam’s Response
Speaking to reporters after his appointment was revoked, Tajul Islam categorically denied all allegations, describing them as “false, baseless, and maliciously motivated.” He emphasised that all tribunal proceedings had been conducted transparently and through proper judicial channels. When asked specifically about claims regarding evidence brought to prosecutor Tamim’s office, Tajul said he was unaware and reiterated that the accusations were entirely fabricated.
Newly appointed Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Aminul Islam, who assumed office on Monday, chose not to comment on the allegations immediately, citing the need to familiarise himself with the tribunal’s operations. He stated, “If such matters arise, they will be brought to my attention in due course, and appropriate action will follow. Today, I am a guest here on my first day, and I prefer to defer any judgments.”
The unfolding controversy underscores the sensitivity surrounding the tribunal’s leadership transition and raises questions about transparency, accountability, and internal checks within high-profile judicial institutions in Bangladesh.