International Crimes Tribunal: Know Its Meaning, History and Significance

Understanding major international justice systems is important because they help the world deal with serious crimes that affect large groups of people. These systems are created to investigate events, protect human rights, and ensure that those responsible for violence are punished. They also help victims find justice, record historical truths, and teach future generations the value of peace, fairness, and accountability.

About International Crimes Tribunal

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is a special court in Bangladesh created to deal with serious crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War. Its purpose is to bring justice to victims of genocide, torture, and violence that took place during the conflict. The tribunal works to uncover the truth, punish those responsible, and help the nation heal from its painful past.

How the ICT was Established?

After coming to power in 2009, the Bangladesh government led by the Awami League decided to set up the ICT to fulfill a long-promised goal of punishing war criminals. Although the legal foundation for such a court existed since 1973, active trials were delayed for decades. Public demand for justice eventually led to the formation of the tribunal.

Legal Basis of the ICT

The tribunal operates under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973. This law provides a clear system for investigating, charging, and trying individuals accused of crimes such as:

• Genocide
• War crimes
• Crimes against humanity
• Torture and rape during conflict

The act gives the tribunal the authority to gather evidence, question suspects, and deliver lawful judgments.

Structure and Working System

The ICT is made up of:

• Specially appointed judges
• An investigation team
• A prosecution group

To speed up trials, two courts—ICT-1 and ICT-2—were created. These tribunals use both national laws and international standards to ensure fair hearings. Cases mostly involve people accused of helping the Pakistani forces in 1971, including groups such as Razakar, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams.

The ICT allows both in-person and in absentia trials. Over time, its rules have been updated to match modern human rights and evidence standards.

Important Causes and Their Impact

Since its establishment, the tribunal has delivered several major judgments. Many leaders of political or militant groups have been punished with life sentences or death penalties for their roles in killings, torture, and mass violence during the war.

The ICT has received both praise and criticism.

• Praise: For giving victims a voice, documenting history, and ensuring long-delayed justice.
• Criticism: From some international bodies for issues related to trial fairness, transparency, and political influence.

Despite this, the tribunal continues to be widely supported within Bangladesh.

Current Status and Role in the World

The ICT is still active and has passed several new judgments in recent years. It remains unique because it is a domestic court, not an international one like the International Criminal Court (ICC). Its power is limited to crimes committed in Bangladesh during the 1971 war.

Countries such as Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia also used special tribunals after conflict, making the ICT an important example of how nations seek justice after war-related atrocities.