Gazette issued empowering ICT to run trials against political parties

The government issued a gazette notification amending the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act 1973, granting the tribunal the authority to take punitive action against political parties, their affiliates, or supporter groups involved in crimes under international law.

According to the gazette, the president has enacted and promulgated the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 under the powers granted by Article 93(1) of the Constitution.

Under the revised law, if the tribunal finds credible evidence that an organisation—such as a political party or its associate entity—is involved in international crimes, it will have the authority to suspend or ban the organisation, cancel its registration or licence, and confiscate its assets.

Facing demands from the National Citizen Party (NCP)—formed by student leaders of the July Uprising—and several Islamist groups including Jamaat-e-Islami, the interim government decided to outlaw the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The party that led Bangladesh’s independence struggle is now set to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with its crackdown on the July movement.

The Advisory Council also approved amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act to facilitate this move.

Law Advisor Asif Nazrul announced the decisions on Saturday night following an emergency meeting of the advisory council.