Writ filed challenging legality of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal Act

A writ petition challenging the legality of Bangladesh’s International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 has been filed with the High Court.

The petition was submitted on Wednesday by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Mohsin Rashid, who named the law secretary and other relevant government officials as respondents.

According to the petitioner, the court has been asked to direct authorities to take necessary steps to repeal the 1973 law, arguing that it has already fulfilled its original purpose and should not remain in force as a potential tool for the judicial persecution of political opponents in the future.

The writ also questions the constitutional validity of several provisions of the Act. It argues that certain sections conflict with fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and with basic principles of natural justice.

The petition seeks a rule asking the government to explain why the contested provisions should not be declared unconstitutional, beyond legal authority, and void.

Officials from the Law and Justice Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs have been made respondents in the case.