Hasina’s counsel expresses ‘anger and pain’ after verdict
Sheikh Hasina’s state-appointed defence lawyer has reacted sharply to the International Crimes Tribunal verdict that sentenced the former prime minister to death, saying he feels “angry, helpless and in deep pain” following the ruling.
Speaking to journalists on Monday afternoon, November 17, advocate Md Amir Hossain said: “I am angry over this verdict. I am carrying pain inside me. I am suffering. There is no opportunity to appeal in this case. I am suffering because my client has been sentenced.”
The comments came hours after a three-member bench led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, Chairman of International Crimes Tribunal-1, handed down the death penalty to Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal for crimes against humanity during last year’s mass uprising.
Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as an approver, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
Amir Hossain said the legal situation leaves the convicted political leaders with virtually no immediate recourse.
“Until my clients come and surrender to the tribunal – or they are arrested in some way – there is no chance to go to any appellate division,” he explained.
He added that the tribunal refused to provide him with a certified copy of the full verdict, which is typically required before appeal proceedings.
“The tribunal told me they will not give me a copy of the verdict. If it does not, then this verdict is final,” he said.
“Many are saying they are not satisfied with this judgement.”
When asked whether any of the defendants can legally challenge the ruling, Hossain clarified that only Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has the option to appeal, as he was tried while in custody.
“Only against Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun’s sentence is there a chance to appeal,” he noted.
Despite his disappointment, the lawyer acknowledged that the tribunal did take his defence arguments into account.
“They have taken my arguments in many ways. The tribunal felt the prosecution’s argument was much stronger than mine,” he said.
“I will not say they did not hear me – but the verdict reflects what they believed.”
The Awami League, currently barred from political activities in Bangladesh by government order, has rejected the verdict delivered by the International Crimes Tribunal.
“The verdict announced today has been rejected by the people of Bengal. The people of Bengal do not accept it – and will not accept it,” said Jahangir Kabir Nanak, a presidium member of the party, in a message posted on its verified Facebook page, reports BBC.
He alleged that the proceedings were rushed and irregular, saying: “The illegal court that issued this ruling began hearings on August 14 and concluded on November 17. The case was wrapped up in just 20 working days, during which 54 witnesses were presented before 84 individuals.”
Nanak further claimed that the process lacked judicial propriety, adding: “The chief judge has been absent for the past month. Yet, despite this, a verdict against the people’s beloved leader was issued – driven by political vengeance.”
BBC also reported that Sheikh Hasina has condemned the verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka as “biased and politically motivated.”
In a five-page statement released after the ruling, she said one of the interim government’s tactics to “deactivate the Awami League as a political force” was to “hand it the death penalty.”
Hasina, who is currently in India, had earlier described the trial as a “farce” and has denied all charges brought against her.
“I am not afraid to face my accusers in a tribunal where the allegations are fairly verified and examined,” she said.
She added that she had challenged the interim government to take the charges to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.