The trial of ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina will continue even if India does not repatriate her, Toby Cadman, the special advisor to the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), has stated.
Cadman made the remarks following a meeting between the prosecution team and the investigation agency on Wednesday. He emphasized that the trial of the July-August massacre adheres to international legal standards. Additionally, he noted that certain provisions of the tribunal can be amended through negotiation and that genocide cases have the option of being referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Cadman, a noted expert in international criminal law and co-head of the London-based Guernica 37 law firm, arrived at the tribunal at 9 am on Wednesday. He joined Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, Additional Attorney General Mizanul Islam, and key officials from the investigation agency to discuss the ongoing genocide trial process.
Cadman’s involvement follows his appointment as a special advisor to Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam after the fall of the Awami League government amidst a student-led movement. He previously met Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on September 2 at Jamuna, the chief adviser's official residence.
The trial of Sheikh Hasina, a notorious figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, is one of the most high-profile cases before the tribunal. Her absence from the proceedings has raised questions about potential diplomatic negotiations, but Cadman affirmed that the tribunal remains committed to delivering justice in line with international legal principles.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
