Dhaka, Feb. 18 -- Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, or ICT, has said that the trial of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina could begin as early as April, provided the investigation is completed by March.

He made the remarks on Tuesday after 16 people, including a former minister, were presented before the tribunal in a case related to the atrocities committed during last year's anti-discrimination protests.

In the morning, the prosecution sought additional time for the investigation, a request that the tribunal granted.

The ICT set a deadline of Apr 20 for the submission of the investigation report against Hasina and 46 other suspects.

"Our investigative team is working tirelessly and the probe is now...