Chief Prosecutor Advocate Tajul Islam on Sunday said that the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has the jurisdiction to try 15 army officers against whom arrest warrants have been issued in connection with three cases, including two related to enforced disappearances.

Speaking at a press conference, Tajul Islam said, “If any legal opinion is sought regarding the detained army officers in the disappearance cases, it will be provided. However, as per the general provision of law, an accused must be produced before a court within 24 hours of arrest. The court will then decide on the next course of action.”

The Chief Prosecutor added that copies of the arrest warrants have been sent to all relevant authorities, including the armed forces.

Under the International Crimes Tribunal Act, the tribunal is the proper forum to try army officers involved in crimes like enforced disappearances and killings. There is no scope to challenge this legal provision,” he stated.

On Saturday, Major General Md Hakimuzzaman, during a media briefing at Dhaka Cantonment regarding the cases involving army personnel, said that 15 officers named in the tribunal’s charge sheets have been taken into custody. However, he claimed that the army has not yet received any copies of the warrants.

He further informed that a total of 25 individuals—both serving and retired—have been accused in the cases. Of them, one is on Leave Pending Retirement (LPR) and 15 are currently in service.

All 16 were instructed to report to Army Headquarters by October 9. Except for Major General Kabir Ahmed, all have complied,” he said.

Meanwhile, the tribunal on Sunday began hearing arguments in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s case.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul also alleged that a cyberattack occurred during the live broadcast of the trial proceedings.