The interim government has amended the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, making individuals formally charged with crimes against humanity ineligible to contest elections or hold government jobs.
The amendment, introduced during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Thursday at Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, adds a new section; 20(C), to the existing law.
The update was announced by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at a press briefing later in the day, held at Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road in Dhaka.
According to the amendment, anyone against whom formal charges have been filed under Section 9(1) of the ICT Act will be considered disqualified from becoming or remaining a Member of Parliament.
The disqualification also extends to positions in local government, such as commissioner, chairman, mayor or administrator.
Furthermore, individuals facing such charges will be barred from applying for or holding any position in the public service or occupying any other public office.
Shafiqul Alam emphasized that the amendment aims to ensure accountability and prevent those accused of grave offenses from holding positions of power or influence within the state.
