Highlights
- State-appointed lawyer says the trial of Sheikh Hasina was transparent and fair.
- He wishes for her acquittal and says he would be the happiest if she is freed.
- He confirms there was no communication between him and Sheikh Hasina.
- Security tightened around tribunal and Supreme Court areas ahead of the verdict.
State-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain, who represented the fugitive and ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has said that the trial at the International Crimes Tribunal was conducted properly and transparently. He also stated that he would be the happiest person if Sheikh Hasina was acquitted.
He made these comments on Monday (17 November) while speaking to journalists at the premises of the International Crimes Tribunal.
Lawyer Says Trial Was Transparent
Amir Hossain said the tribunal handled the legal process well and in a fair manner. He said,
‘আন্তর্জাতিক অপরাধ ট্রাইব্যুনালে বিচার ভালোভাবে হয়েছে, স্বচ্ছ হয়েছে। ট্রাইব্যুনালের রায়ে শেখ হাসিনা খালাস পেলে আমি সবচেয়ে খুশি হতাম।’
Translation: “The trial at the International Crimes Tribunal was conducted properly and transparently. If Sheikh Hasina is acquitted by the tribunal, I would be the happiest.”
He added that it is normal for a lawyer to want their client to be acquitted:
‘আমি আমার মক্কেলের খালাস চাই। এই চাওয়াটা তো স্বাভাবিক। এটা প্রত্যেকেই চাইবে।’
Translation: “I want my client to be acquitted. Wanting that is normal. Anyone would want the same.”
Read More: Jatiya Chhatra Shakti holds protest rally demanding maximum punishment for Sheikh Hasina
No Communication with Sheikh Hasina
Journalists asked whether he tried to contact Sheikh Hasina at any point during the case. He said there was no communication and that there is no legal provision allowing such contact. He said,
‘আমি চেষ্টা করি নাই। চেষ্টা করার কোনো বিধানও নাই। উনারাও আমার সঙ্গে কোনো যোগাযোগের চেষ্টা এবং কোনো রকমের কোনো সহায়তাও করে নাই।’
Translation: “I did not try. There is no legal provision to try. They also did not try to contact me or offer any help.”
He said that even indirect help would have made him feel better, but he never received any:
‘প্রচ্ছন্নভাবেও যদি কোনো সহায়তা করতো সেটা আমার জন্য আরও ভালো হতো, কিন্তু সেটা কেউ কিছু করে নাই।’
Translation: “Even if they had helped indirectly, it would have been good for me, but no one did anything.”
He added that he sincerely wishes for Sheikh Hasina’s acquittal after fighting her case for many months:
‘আমি তো সবসময় আশা করি আমার মক্কেল (শেখ হাসিনা) খালাস পাবে… আমি একজনের জন্য এত এত মাস ধরে মামলা করেছি, তা সে যদি খালাস পায় তা আমার চাইতে বেশি খুশি আর কে হবে।’
Translation: “I always hope that my client (Sheikh Hasina) will be acquitted… I have fought this case for so many months; if she is acquitted, who will be happier than me?”
He refused to comment on prosecution witness Abdullah Al Mamun:
‘উনি আমার মক্কেল না… যারা আমার আসামি না তার পক্ষে আমি কেন বলবো, এটা বলা ঠিক না।’
Translation: “He is not my client… It is not right for me to speak for someone who is not my defendant.”
Regarding Claims About Shooting Orders
A journalist asked him about similarities between his submission and Sheikh Hasina’s statements on alleged shooting orders. He responded that it is normal for lawyers and prosecutors to present different viewpoints, and the tribunal will decide based on evidence.
Heavy Security Around Tribunal
Ahead of the verdict, security has been tightened around the International Crimes Tribunal and the Supreme Court areas. Police, RAB, APBN, BGB, and the Army have been deployed. Intelligence agencies are also active.
Since Sunday evening, law enforcement has stopped vehicle movement from Doel Chattar towards Shikkha Bhaban, and public movement has been restricted for safety reasons.
Source: Jamuna TV
