Toby Cadman, a renowned international legal expert with experience in cases from Bosnia, Kosovo, Rwanda, Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine, has called for the July-August killings case to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. During a meeting with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, on Thursday (March 6) at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka, Cadman emphasized the need for international cooperation to ensure justice for the victims of the 2024 student-led uprising.

The meeting focused on the potential collaboration between Bangladesh and the ICC, as well as the role of international courts in delivering justice. Cadman highlighted the importance of supplementary justice mechanisms to hold accountable those accused of crimes who are currently under the protection of foreign states.

Discussion on the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT):

The meeting began with an assessment of the progress and challenges faced by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which is currently handling cases related to atrocities committed during the July-August 2024 uprising under the previous government. Cadman recommended reforms to the ICT’s legal and statutory framework, including a name change to distance it from associations with past authoritarian regimes.

He also stressed the need to align the tribunal’s death penalty provisions and evidence-gathering procedures with international standards to ensure fairness and transparency.

Dr. Yunus on the July Killings:

Dr. Muhammad Yunus praised the ICT prosecution team’s efforts but emphasized the need to maintain international standards in delivering justice. He stated, “The recent UN investigation has confirmed that the killings during the July 2024 uprising constitute crimes against humanity.”

“The world should know who ordered the killing of 1,400 students, protesters, and workers, and who the real perpetrators are. The UN investigation has exposed the true face of the Sheikh Hasina government. Now, we must ensure justice and punish the guilty,” he added.

Key Issues Discussed:

The meeting also addressed the protection of witnesses, recovery of stolen assets, and ensuring the fundamental rights of the accused. Discussions included the need for complete support for the ICT and prosecution teams, safeguarding witnesses, and maintaining transparency in the judicial process.

Additionally, legal and administrative measures to confiscate and repatriate assets looted during the previous government’s tenure were reviewed.

Symbolic Gesture:

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Yunus presented Cadman with a gift and a symbolic book titled Art of Triumph: Graffiti of Bangladesh’s New Dawn, representing the hope and determination of Bangladesh’s new era.

Cadman’s recommendations and the interim government’s commitment to justice signal a renewed effort to address past atrocities and strengthen the rule of law in Bangladesh.