Photo collage : BSS

By SM Ashikuzzaman

DHAKA, April 23, 2026 (BSS) - A series of decisive actions against alleged bribery and misconduct within the Attorney General's (AG's) office and the chief prosecutor's office of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) have brought renewed focus on accountability in Bangladesh's judicial system.

From the removal of a law officer over a multi-crore bribery allegation to criminal proceedings against an office staff and the formation of a fact-finding committee to probe allegations against prosecutors, the recent steps indicate a growing institutional resolve to enforce transparency and curb corruption at key pillars of the judiciary.

A written complaint was submitted alleging that then Assistant Attorney General Md Abul Hasan received a bribe of Taka 3.20 crore from a litigant, promising to arrange the withdrawal of a stay order in a case.

When asked about the matter, newly appointed Attorney General Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal said, "I was informed of the allegation on the second day after assuming office. Considering the seriousness of the complaint, I spoke with the concerned assistant attorney general. However, his response was not satisfactory."

Subsequently, by order of the President, Md Abul Hasan was relieved of his duties, and his appointment as Assistant Attorney General was cancelled on April 6.

In another incident, an office assistant was handed over to police on April 16 on allegations of deliberately withholding an important writ case file from the High Court, causing potential harm to the state. Later, an administrative officer of the attorney general's office, Md Nasir Uddin, filed a criminal case with Shahbagh Police Station.

According to the case statement, the accused, Md Imran Hossain, intentionally refrained from submitting the file to the High Court, possibly influenced by inducements. It is suspected that he may be part of an organized group working to undermine state institutions for personal gain.

Speaking about internal transparency, the Attorney General told BSS, "This institution represents the state. Therefore, officials here must uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity. No irregularity or corruption will be tolerated."

Meanwhile, the ICT has delivered four verdicts so far in cases related to crimes against humanity committed during the July-August Mass Uprising.

In these widely discussed verdicts, 13 individuals have been sentenced to death and 10 to life imprisonment, while others received varying terms of punishment.

The chief prosecutor's office has been an integral part of the ICT's judicial success, whose prosecutors have played a vital role in ensuring justice. However, allegations of irregularities and corruption have recently surfaced against several prosecutors.

Media reports claim that a prosecutor demanded Taka one crore from the family of a former Member of Parliament arrested in a crimes against humanity case related to incidents in Chattogram during the uprising, in exchange for securing bail. 

Another prosecutor claimed that the wife of an accused person went to a colleague's chamber with a heavy bag, raising suspicions that it contained money.

To investigate these allegations, a fact-finding committee was formed on March 10 by the Chief Prosecutor's Office. Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said the committee would submit its report soon, and further actions would be taken based on its findings.

Addressing the issue, the Chief Prosecutor told BSS, "After assuming office, I have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. No form of corruption will be allowed. We must remain corruption-free under all circumstances.”

“If any prosecutor or investigation-related individual attempts or even considers engaging in corruption, it will be self-destructive for them,” he added.