TDS Desk:

The investigation team of International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has found evidence of ousted dictator Sheikh Hasina’s direct involvement in incidents of enforced disappearances and subsequent tortures in secret facilities, ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam claimed Tuesday.

Awami League chief Hasina was the “nucleus” in the countrywide network of secret detention cells operated during the 15-year Awami League regime, the ICT chief prosecutor told reporters on the court premises.

On Tuesday, the chief prosecutor submitted a progress report on the investigation being conducted over the role of Hasina and her associates in crime against humanity as well as genocide committed during Awami League’s over 15-year autocratic rule.

Tajul Islam asked the court for two months to submit the final report and the court granted the plea, setting 18 February as the deadline.

The court also gave concerned authorities two weeks to explain what the interim government has done with respect to the controversial anti-state deals signed with India during the Awami League regime.

The court further asked the law enforcement agencies how Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader managed to stay in the country for three months despite an arrest warrant being issued against him, and recently successfully fled abroad.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul said those found to assist Quader in fleeing would face the music on court orders.