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“When we unknowingly entered one centre, we found bombs had been planted there — some fitted with timers. It appears there was an apparent attempt to assassinate those who were conducting the investigation,” he said.

“As the prosecution has yet to bring these findings to light, many may assume that no real investigation has taken place. However, once formal charges are submitted, people will begin to understand the extent of what has been uncovered,” he added.

When asked about the locations and whether suspects involved in the bomb planting had been identified, Tajul declined to comment further.

He also said they have received draft probe reports of three cases--killings in Chankharpool and Ashulia, and another involving command responsibility allegations against Sheikh Hasina --and hope to submit formal charges for two of them within this month.

Meanwhile, the tribunal yesterday approved petitions to interrogate Constable Nasirul Islam, accused of killing seven people in Chankharpool, and Nayek Sohel Mia, accused of throwing Shaikh Ashabul Yamin from an APC in Savar. Interrogations will be held on April 10 and 13, respectively.

It also extended the deadlines for submitting investigation reports on crimes against humanity committed during the uprising in Jatrabari and Farmgate to June 6 and July 6, respectively.

The three-member bench, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, approved the extensions following prosecution requests. The previous deadline expired yesterday.

Explaining the need for more time in the Jatrabari case, Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim said the crime scene spans over three kilometres, with hundreds killed.

Gazi highlighted the killing of Imam Hasan Taim, a college student and son of a sub-inspector, who was shot at point-blank range by police. Statements from witnesses, including Taim’s friend who took wounded Taim away from the spot, have been recorded.

Tajul said that a three-month extension was sought for the investigation into the killing of Golam Nafiz, a student of Banani Bidyaniketan School and College. Nafiz gained national attention through iconic images showing him draped in the national flag on a rickshaw after he was shot by police in the Farmgate area.

Nafiz was taken by rickshaw to three different hospitals, none of which provided him with treatment. Tajul added that at one point, there was an attempt to burn him alive and dispose of his body in a manhole.

The tribunal issued arrest warrants for three individuals in connection with the incident, but they remain at large, Tajul said.

He later told journalists that the tribunal received 38 formal complaints and gathered hundreds of video clips and over 150 witness statements over the incidents in Jatrabari. Due to the scale of the case, more time is needed.

The chief prosecutor also said conspiracies, disinformation campaigns, and efforts to derail or discredit the tribunal were ongoing. The investigation agency and prosecution identified many involved in these campaigns. “No scandal or smear campaign will obstruct justice,” he said.