Staff correspondent:

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered the investigation into deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina over allegations of genocide related to last year’s anti-discrimination movement protests to be completed by April 20.

The three-member panel headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar issued the order on Tuesday.

During the hearing, Additional Chief Prosecutor Mizanul Islam sought more time to prepare for the hearing, prompting the tribunal to set the deadline for completing the investigation.

Previously, 16 people, including former ministers from the Awami League government, were brought before the tribunal in connection with the case.

Those named in the case include former law minister Anisul Huq, former prime minister’s advisor for private industry and investment Salman F Rahman, former state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, and former ministers Faruk Khan, Dipu Moni, Abdur Razzaque, Shajahan Khan, Kamal Ahmed Mojumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi, Amir Hossain Amu, Qamrul Islam, former advisor Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Workers Party chief Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haq Inu, retired judge Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, and former home secretary Jahangir Alam.

On December 17, the tribunal directed the investigation into two crimes against humanity cases, involving Hasina, Obaidul Quader and 46 others to be completed within two months.

Following a student-led mass uprising, the Awami League government’s 15-year rule ended on August 5 last year, with Hasina fleeing to India.