Allegations of corruption and irregularities have been raised against former International Crimes Tribunal’s chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and several prosecutors close to him over their handling of a crimes against humanity case linked to the 2024 July mass uprising in Chattogram.

The complaint that surfaced on Tuesday was filed by Mohammad Samrat Robayet, a coordinator of a private university cell of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. He submitted the written complaint to chief prosecutor Md Aminul Islam on February 25.

In his complaint, Samrat alleged that Tajul Islam tried to protect former lawmaker and Awami League leader ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, who is now in jail in a crimes against humanity case.

He claimed that Tajul used his authority to exclude Fazle Karim’s son, Faraz Karim Chowdhury, from the arrest warrant despite more than 55 witnesses directly naming him during the investigation.

Samrat also alleged that Tajul maintained regular communication with Barrister Rizwana Yusuf, the former wife of Fazle Karim and mother of Faraz, creating what he described as a ‘culture of impunity’.

The complainant further alleged that Tajul and some close prosecutors formed a ‘syndicate’ to shield accused persons and delay the investigation. He claimed that the prosecution delayed submission of the probe report despite the investigators’ readiness.

Samrat also alleged that a ‘baseless’ arrest warrant was issued against Chattogram Metropolitan Police commissioner Saiful Islam without specific allegations or evidence.

He further claimed that the prosecution took a questionable stance during a January 12 hearing when the accused’s side raised objections to the complaint.

Samrat alleged that prosecutor Tarek Abdullah misbehaved with him when he raised these issues while visiting the prosecution team.

He also claimed that efforts were made to secure bail for Fazle Karim using a ‘false and controversial’ article by journalist David Bergman, despite prison authorities describing his health condition as ‘seasonal illness’.

The complaint further alleged that prosecutors Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim and Mizanul Islam tried to protect Fazle Karim and his son in exchange for money.

It also mentioned a separate allegation against former prosecutor Saimum Reza Talukder, who allegedly demanded Tk 1 crore from the accused’s family to arrange bail.

After media reports, a five-member fact-finding committee was formed. Talukder has since resigned.

‘The matter is being examined. Findings will be reflected in the committee report,’ Aminul Islam said.

On March 16, the tribunal fixed April 12 for submission of the investigation report after the earlier deadline was missed.

Rejecting the allegations, Tajul Islam said they were ‘false and motivated’ and aimed at undermining the trial process over atrocities committed during the July uprising.

‘I am no longer in office. The Investigation Agency and the prosecution worked independently. No one was deliberately excluded,’ he said.

He also denied any attempt to arrange bail, calling the claim ‘completely fabricated’.

Prosecutors Tamim, Mizanul Islam and Tarek Abdullah also denied the allegations.

The International Crimes Tribunal was reconstituted on September 5, 2024, to try crimes linked to the July uprising, with Tajul Islam appointed chief prosecutor.

Following the formation of a BNP-led government after the 13th parliamentary elections held on February 12, Tajul Islam was removed on February 23 and replaced by Aminul Islam.

Earlier, prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud had also raised corruption allegations against Tajul, which he denied.

The allegations remain under investigation.

On March 10, the chief prosecutor formed a five-member committee to investigate an allegation that Saimum demanded Tk 1 crore to arrange bail for Fazle Karim.