Disappearance Trials Now Under Tribunal Act: Chief Prosecutor

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Aminul Islam, has said that the Disappearance Ordinance Act was unnecessary, as trials for disappearances can be conducted under the existing Tribunal Act.

He made the remarks at a press conference at his office on Tuesday, April 7, in response to journalists’ questions.

“The crimes covered by the Disappearance Ordinance were already included in the Tribunal Act. I did not see the need for a separate law or tribunal when the Tribunal Act already had jurisdiction over disappearance cases. In other words, trials for disappearances are possible only under the Tribunal Act,” he said.

He added, “If the Disappearance Ordinance is repealed and merged with the Tribunal Act, I thank the Law Minister and the members of parliament. I feel the Disappearance Ordinance was unnecessary. Merging it with the Tribunal Act is the right and proper step.”

Meanwhile, the National Assembly passed the International Crimes Tribunals (Amendment) Bill 2026 today, enabling the trial of disappearance cases under the Tribunal. The amendment formally defines disappearance as a “crime against humanity.”

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman introduced the bill in parliament, and it was passed by voice vote.