Chief Prosecutor of International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Mohammad Tazul Islam, declared that no one is above the law and the burden of crime lies solely on individuals, not institutions.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Tazul Islam discussed the tribunal’s recent decision to accept two landmark cases of enforced disappearances allegedly committed during Sheikh Hasina’s previous tenure.

The cases name several high-ranking former officials as accused, including a former Prime Minister, a former Inspector General of Police (IGP) and a former Home Minister.

“We want to send a clear message,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what rank the accused held or which institution they belonged to. Institutions are not on trial; individuals are. These individuals violated the law, took it into their own hands, and turned Bangladesh into a land of fear and brutality.”

He emphasized that these cases are not politically motivated but grounded in justice, aiming to dismantle a long-standing culture of impunity.

Highlighting the severity of the alleged crimes, Tazul Islam described the torture techniques used by members of now-defunct Task Force Intelligence (TFI) Cell.

He claimed that detainees were subjected to extreme and inhumane methods, including electric shocks to genitals, mutilation and disembowelment, often while held in secret custody.

“These weren’t just violations; they were acts of barbarity,” he said. “Such heinous acts must be accounted for and justice must be served. Every perpetrator, regardless of their power or position, will have to face trial.”

Referring to the events following the political shift after August 5, 2024, Tazul Islam described the period as a “rebirth for Bangladesh”, breaking free from a regime of fear, state-sponsored violence and authoritarianism.

He credited the youth-led resistance for achieving a renewed sense of freedom, which now demands justice and accountability.

“This freedom will only be meaningful if those responsible for past crimes are held accountable in accordance with the law,” he added. “There will be no more culture of impunity in Bangladesh.”

Tazul Islam concluded with a powerful message, “The era of fear and oppression is over. Justice will prevail. And no one; no matter how powerful, is above the law.”