LONDON, 26 March 2025 – The deliberate weaponisation of disinformation is a deeply troubling and regrettable phenomenon that poses a significant threat to the integrity of justice and the accountability of those responsible for serious crimes. By misdirecting public attention and distorting critical narratives, these intentional falsehoods undermine efforts to address the grave atrocities committed during the summer of 2024, as well as the systematic patterns of criminal conduct perpetrated by the Awami League over the past decade.
The recent filing by lawyers at Doughty Street Chambers, which seeks to refer the administration of Dr. Yunus to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, raises significant questions about the integrity of the process. Notably, there have been no attempts to engage with the independent and impartial International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Office of the Chief Prosecutor in Bangladesh, which is the appropriate domestic mechanism for addressing such allegations. It is also important to recognise that any actions taken by the ICC Office of the Prosecutor is in respect to the ‘situation’ and not a particular person or entity and that any referral or request to open an investigation will not be limited to a particular incident or individual, but to all alleged crimes within the scope of territorial and temporal jurisdiction. To that end, the state authorities in Bangladesh has held, and will continue to hold, discussions with the ICC on complementing the domestic jurisdiction and assisting in domestic investigations and forthcoming trials.
It is recognised under international law that all victims have the right to recourse. As a State Party to the Rome Statute, the ICC has jurisdiction over crimes committed within its territory if domestic institutions are unable or unwilling to act. However, the respective thresholds for establishing jurisdiction under the principle of complementarity and the establishment of gravity has clearly not been met in this case. Furthermore, The ICT Prosecutor’s Office remains fully operational and capable of conducting investigations and prosecutions in accordance with international legal standards.
The focus must remain firmly on the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability. Over the past decade, the people of Bangladesh have borne witness to widespread human rights violations, suppression of dissent, and institutional abuses under the Awami League administration. The circumvention of the rule of law and the hijacking of justice institutions were hallmarks of the regime. These actions have inflicted significant harm on the nation’s democratic fabric and the well-being of its citizens.
In light of the atrocities committed in 2024, it is imperative to prioritise transparent investigations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under international legal standards. Attempts to distort the narrative through disinformation do a disservice not only to the victims of these crimes but also to the broader pursuit of justice, truth, and reconciliation.
We call upon the international community, human rights organisations, and all stakeholders to remain vigilant against the manipulation of information and to support efforts aimed at addressing the genuine issues facing Bangladesh today. It is only through an unwavering commitment to accountability and the truth that meaningful progress can be achieved for the people of Bangladesh.
Toby Cadman
Special Adviser to the Chief Prosecutor
Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal