Any individual formally charged under the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Act will no longer be eligible to contest or hold public office, serve as a Member of Parliament (MP), or be appointed to government service, according to a newly added section of the law.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam disclosed the development at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy today.

“A new Section 23 has been incorporated into the International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973. According to the provision, once a formal charge is framed under Section 9(1) of the ICT Act, that individual shall be disqualified from being elected or remaining as a Member of Parliament,” he said.

He said that the same disqualification would apply to positions in local government institutions, including members, commissioners, chairmen, mayors, or administrators. Additionally, any charge-sheeted accused will be ineligible for appointment to government services or holding any other public office.

The provision was introduced through the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which received final approval today at the Advisory Council’s 41st meeting.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, was held at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) in Tejgaon. The press secretary noted that the amendment aims to ensure individuals facing formal charges of international crimes are prevented from assuming positions of state authority or responsibility.

With the new amendment, the ICT Act strengthens accountability measures and closes legal loopholes that previously allowed charge-sheeted individuals to retain or pursue influential positions despite being under trial.

MN/