Muhammad Tajul Islam, the outgoing Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, stated that it is natural for an elected government to appoint its preferred individuals to various state positions. He made the remarks on Monday, February 23, 2026, while speaking to journalists at the tribunal premises. Earlier that morning, the new BNP government relieved him of his duties and appointed Supreme Court lawyer Aminul Islam as the new Chief Prosecutor.

Tajul Islam, a leader of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, had been serving as Chief Prosecutor in the tribunal reconstituted to try crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. Responding to his removal, he welcomed his successor and expressed good wishes for the completion of unfinished tasks. He recalled that when he took office, the tribunal’s main building was abandoned and operations were being conducted from a tin shed amid disarray left by the previous prosecution team.

He explained that the government initially indicated continuity but later signaled its intention to replace him. He said he was told the change would occur through a natural process rather than resignation to avoid sending a wrong message.