Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
A writ petition has been filed before the High Court of Bangladesh challenging the constitutional validity of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973.
According to court documents, Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Mohshen Rashid submitted the petition on Tuesday, naming the Law Secretary and other relevant government officials as respondents.
In his plea, the petitioner has sought a High Court rule asking the respondents to explain why steps should not be taken to repeal the 1973 law altogether. He argued that the statute has already served its intended purpose and should now be repealed to prevent any possible future misuse or abuse.
The petition further contends that the Act is inconsistent with certain provisions of the Constitution and, therefore, should be declared unlawful and void. It also raises concerns that the law could be used as a tool for the “judicial elimination” of political opponents if left in force.
The High Court is yet to issue any order on the matter.
The International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 is a Bangladeshi law enacted to prosecute genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War. It establishes a special tribunal system distinct from the ordinary criminal courts. In recent years, through legal amendments and an expanded interpretation of its provisions, the Act has also been invoked in cases linked to the July 2024 mass uprising that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with allegations of killings and systematic violence during the protests being brought under the jurisdiction of the tribunal as crimes against humanity.