A fresh scandal has rocked Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD), exposing deep-rooted corruption within the prosecution team. Audio recordings obtained by Prothom Alo and Netra News reveal that prosecutor Md. Saimum Reza Talukdar demanded Tk1 crore from the family of detained Awami League leader ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury in exchange for securing his bail.
This incident, coupled with previous allegations against former chief prosecutor Tajul Islam—a known Jamaat-e-Islami supporter—and his team, underscores a pattern of abuse of power, fabricated evidence, and illegal manipulations of the ICT Act 1973. As the BNP-led government inherits this tainted system, questions arise about whether justice will prevail or if political vendettas will continue unchecked.
In a shocking revelation, leaked WhatsApp audio recordings capture ICT-BD prosecutor Saimum Reza Talukdar soliciting Tk1 crore from the family of Fazle Karim, who faces charges of crimes against humanity related to the 2024 anti-discrimination student movement in Chattogram. Chowdhury, a five-time MP from Chattogram-6 (Raojan), was arrested in 2024 for alleged involvement in killings during the uprising, though no chargesheet has been filed yet.
The recordings, verified by Prothom Alo and Netra News, show Talukdar repeatedly pressuring the family for payment. In one call, he references a “good amount” of Tk1 crore, suggesting an advance of Tk10 lakh in cash. He promised to facilitate bail and even provide a copy of the investigation report in exchange for money. Talukdar also advised bribing an ICT investigator, claiming the official had already taken bribes from a religious organization demanding Chowdhury’s trial.
The family claims Talukdar contacted them first in April 2025, nearly two months after Chowdhury’s detention, and made at least 14 direct demands for bribes through intermediaries over 26 interactions. They recorded conversations starting late 2025 to gather evidence of corruption, refusing to pay while stringing him along. Talukdar denied the allegations, calling them false and insisting bail decisions are a team effort under the chief prosecutor.
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Following the family’s complaint to former chief prosecutor Tajul Islam in December 2025, Talukdar was removed from the case but retained other tribunal duties. After the BNP’s election victory in February 2026, he re-engaged the family, promising to rejoin the case under the new chief prosecutor, Aminul Islam, and reiterated his demands. Talukdar resigned on March 9, 2026, citing a desire to return to teaching, though the timing aligns suspiciously with the scandal’s emergence.
Current chief prosecutor Aminul Islam condemned the allegations at a press conference, stating they make the judicial process “cent percent questionable” and vowing an internal investigation. He emphasized that prosecutors must remain “selfless” and above greed, warning that corruption will not be tolerated.
Prosecutor’s Background
Saimum Reza Talukdar, a senior lecturer at a private university in Dhaka, had limited experience in handling cases before joining the ICT. Known in civil society for his expertise in internet governance and security, his transition to prosecutor raised eyebrows due to his lack of courtroom prowess. Critics argue his appointment reflects the politicized nature of the tribunal, where ideological loyalty often trumps legal acumen.
Talukdar’s denials ring hollow amid the evidence. He claimed ignorance of any complaints and insisted his resignation was unrelated to corruption, focusing instead on returning to academia. However, the family’s submission of recordings to Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman in February 2026 reportedly led to threats of arrest against him, which he also denied.
Tajul Islam and His Team’s Corruption Syndicate
This bribery scandal echoes prior accusations against Tajul Islam, the former chief prosecutor appointed under the Yunus interim government in September 2024. Tajul, a Jamaat-e-Islami supporter with ties to Islami Chhatra Shibir during his university days, was removed on February 21, 2026, shortly after the BNP’s electoral win.
Fellow prosecutor B.M. Sultan Mahmud publicly accused Tajul and his deputy, Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim, of running a “syndicate” that extorted hundreds of crores through bribery and case manipulation. Key claims include:
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– In the Ashulia arson case, Tamim allegedly accepted a bribe from an accused’s wife, leading to the individual becoming a state witness and being acquitted while others faced death sentences.
– Selective leniency for police officials in uprising-related cases, such as turning video-evidenced shooters into witnesses.
– Discharging high-profile figures like former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun as approvers in cases against Awami League leaders, including Sheikh Hasina.
Tajul, who previously defended Jamaat war criminals, dismissed these as “baseless” and motivated by grudges. However, reports detail his travels to the US and Canada in late 2024, allegedly to facilitate extortion deals. Bank accounts linked to the scheme, including those of Md. Abul Hossain (Prime Bank), Md. Saiful Islam (Jamuna Bank), and Md. Jahid Hasan Nayan (Standard Chartered), reportedly received illicit funds.
These allegations paint Tajul’s tenure as one that weaponized the ICT for revenge against the Awami League, which had prosecuted 1971 war criminals, while enriching his circle.
Abuse of Power
The ICT-BD’s proceedings against Awami League figures, including Sheikh Hasina and Chowdhury, have been marred by abuse of power and evidentiary shortcomings. Cases stem from the 2024 uprising but lack concrete proof, relying on coerced testimonies and manipulated investigations. Talukdar himself admitted in recordings that investigators were “struggling” to find evidence against Chowdhury, yet pushed for framing him.
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Critics, including Sheikh Hasina, decry the tribunal as a “kangaroo court” under Yunus, designed for political elimination rather than justice. Verdicts like death sentences for Hasina and others in absentia highlight selective prosecution, sparing Jamaat-linked figures while targeting freedom fighters and AL leaders. This abuse erodes public trust, turning the ICT into a tool for settling scores rather than addressing genuine crimes against humanity.
Illegal Amendments
Compounding the corruption is the illegal overhaul of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act 1973. Under the Yunus regime and continued under BNP, four ordinances—the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024, the (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, the (Second Amendment) Ordinance 2025, and the (Third Amendment) Ordinance 2025—introduced over 40 changes without parliamentary approval, violating constitutional norms.
These amendments expanded the ICT-BD’s jurisdiction to prosecute crimes abroad, include organizations as accused, empower bans on political parties (leading to the Awami League’s suspension in May 2025), and allow disqualification by mere accusation.
Retroactive provisions and victim protection enhancements were added, but critics label them unconstitutional, aimed at banning the AL and stifling opposition. Sheikh Hasina condemned these as paving the way for one-party rule, arguing they breach fundamental rights and due process.
As Bangladesh navigates this judicial crisis, the need for impartial reforms is urgent. The bribery scandal and broader corruption demand accountability, lest the ICT-BD remains a symbol of injustice rather than redemption.