The prosecution at the International Crimes Tribunal expects to complete the presentation of evidence in several high-profile cases by December, including those against former ministers Qamrul Islam, Rashed Khan Menon and Anisul Huq, and former prime minister’s adviser Salman F Rahman.

The cases also involve Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her former ICT adviser, former state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak and Major General (relieved) Ziaul Ahsan.

Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim disclosed the timeline at a briefing on Wednesday marking the second anniversary of the reconstituted tribunals.

He said the prosecution was satisfied with the progress of the proceedings. Once the prosecution completes presenting its evidence, the defence will present its evidence and arguments before the tribunals set the dates for the next stages of the trials.

Since their reconstitution on October 14, 2024, the two tribunals have delivered verdicts in seven cases, sentencing 22 people to death, according to the prosecution. Most of those sentenced are fugitives or are believed to be abroad.

Tamim said proceedings in 70 cases involving hundreds of accused were underway at different stages before the two tribunals.

The prosecution and the investigation agency have jointly received around 700 complaints alleging crimes against humanity linked to the July uprising, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

The prosecution has also received investigation reports in cases involving several detained former ministers and advisers who have yet to face formal charges. The charges are nearly ready and will be submitted to the tribunals after approval from the chief prosecutor, Tamim said.

He estimated that a trial takes an average of seven to eight months to complete, although the time required for investigations varies depending on the circumstances of each case.

Responding to criticism over delays in the proceedings, Tamim said the prosecution was following the prescribed legal procedures and ensuring that both sides had adequate opportunities to present their cases.

He also confirmed that an investigation into the Bangladesh Awami League as an organisation was underway, with investigators collecting and reviewing information from across the country.

Given the scope and complexity of the investigation, he said it was too early to estimate when it would be completed.