The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today rejected the bail petition of Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, former energy adviser to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case filed for crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising.

The three-member bench led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mazumder passed the order and said, "There is no tangible grounds for bail."

The defence counsel sought the bail on grounds of old age, illness, and lack of clarity over the specific allegations against Tawfiq-e-Elahi.

However, ICT Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam opposed the petition, terming it "misconceived".

He told the tribunal, "The case is still under investigation. A preliminary charge has been served to the defence counsel."

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Hasina’s energy adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi held

"Tawfiq-e-Elahi was an adviser to the prime accused Sheikh Hasina, who is currently absconding. Even with an Interpol red notice, we could not bring her back. If Tawfiq is granted bail, there is a risk that he might flee as well," he added.

Meanwhile, the tribunal fixed May 12 to hold a hearing on a separate bail petition filed by former civil aviation and tourism minister Lt Col (retd) Mohammad Faruk Khan.

The court also allowed its investigation agency to interrogate four former police personnel in connection with the ongoing probe.