The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has rejected a petition seeking virtual court appearances for ten arrested army officers accused in a war crimes case involving allegations of abduction and torture by the Rapid Action Battalion’s TFI cell during the Awami League government. The order was issued on December 3 by Tribunal-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder. Defense counsel Dr. Tabarak Hossain argued that the officers faced media trials and could face professional consequences even if acquitted, but the tribunal ruled that the law does not permit virtual appearances and directed the accused to attend in person. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam opposed the plea, citing the absence of legal provisions for such appearances. The case names 17 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, with ten army officers currently in custody. The tribunal scheduled December 14 for hearing the discharge petitions of the accused.