The family of former Awami League parliamentarian ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury has claimed that an International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) prosecutor solicited a bribe of one crore taka in exchange for securing his bail. Chowdhury, who represented Chattogram-6 (Rauzan), has been in detention since 12 September 2024 over allegations of involvement in crimes against humanity during the July 2024 student protests in Chittagong.
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Alleged Bribery Details
According to multiple WhatsApp audio recordings obtained by Prothom Alo and Netra News, the prosecutor, Md. Saimum Reza Talukdar, repeatedly contacted Chowdhury’s family to discuss bail arrangements. In one recording, he reportedly reminded a family member of a previous conversation, stating that if Chowdhury were released, “an adequate amount” would be expected, specifying one crore taka, with an initial advance of ten lakh taka in cash.
The family claim they never paid any money and maintained conversations solely to gather evidence of corruption.
Key Case Details
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury |
| Position | Former MP, Chattogram-6 (Rauzan) |
| Charges | Crimes against humanity during July 2024 killings |
| Detention Since | 12 September 2024 |
| First Tribunal Appearance | 16 February 2025 |
| Alleged Bribe Discussions | 26 recorded contacts, 14 direct requests for money |
| Prosecutor Allegedly Involved | Md. Saimum Reza Talukdar |
Chowdhury faces allegations of targeting political opponents and civilians during protests that left five people dead in Chittagong on 16 and 18 July 2024. No formal charge sheet has yet been filed at the ICT, although criminal cases under the Penal Code have been registered in local courts.
Prosecutor’s Background and Response
Talukdar, a former senior lecturer at a private university and a recognised figure in Dhaka’s civil society, has denied all allegations. He stated that no single prosecutor has the authority to grant bail and that tribunal proceedings are collectively managed. He also clarified that his resignation, tendered yesterday, was motivated by a desire to return to teaching, not by the allegations.
Former ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam confirmed that he had not received recordings necessary to take formal action and could not act on allegations alone. Talukdar’s communications continued even after a new government was formed in February 2026, prompting the family to forward recordings to the Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman, claiming Talukdar alleged ministerial threats.
Case Context
The ICT continues to prosecute historical crimes from the 1971 Liberation War and recent atrocities, including the 2024 unrest. Chowdhury, a five-time parliamentarian, has a long-standing history of political influence and is accused of exerting pressure on rivals and their supporters.
The family maintains that all recordings were collected to document corruption attempts, highlighting concerns over prosecutorial misconduct within the tribunal system.