Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Md Aminul Islam -File photo

DHAKA, Sep 7, 2026 (BSS)- Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Md Aminul Islam today said appeal must be filed within 30 days of the pronouncement of an ICT verdict.

“If anyone does not file appeal within 30 days, there will be no opportunity for that accused to file an appeal thereafter,” he told journalists at his office.

He said Abul Kalam Azad, who was sentenced to death in a case of crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War, had appealed to the interim government.

The Home Ministry during the interim government had then issued an order asking him to surrender on the condition of filing an appeal, he said.

Aminul said the order itself was contrary to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973.

“Our law stipulates that an appeal must be filed within 30 days of a judgment. There is no scope for an executive order to supersede the International Crimes Tribunal Act,” he said.

Therefore, the opportunity given to Abul Kalam Azad to surrender on the condition of filing an appeal is illegal and unlawful, he said.

“That applies to anyone whether it is Sheikh Hasina or Abul Kalam Azad, any fugitive accused or those who are in jail must file the appeal within 30 days. If anyone does not file an appeal within 30 days, there will be no opportunity for that accused to file an appeal thereafter,” he said.

The chief prosecutor said therefore, the part of the government order that allowed Abul Kalam Azad to surrender on the condition of filing an appeal was illegal and unlawful.