Formal charge at ICT bars accused from contesting polls

Any Individuals formally charged at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka will be barred from participating in various polls as well as from holding government positions.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has promulgated an ordinance amending the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, that incorporated a section in this regard, according to a gazette notification published on Monday night. The added Section 20C would be inserted after Section 20B, the notification also says.

Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam also briefed on the issue on Tuesday at the ICT premises.

According to section 20C, the accused shall be disqualified from being elected as a MP as well as a member, commissioner, chairman, mayor, or, administrator of any government bodies, or from being appointed to any govt. service.

Nothing in the act's 'sub-Section (1)' shall apply to persons discharged, or acquitted by the Tribunal, the amendment reads.

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