ICT summons BNP leader Fazlur Rahman
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has summoned BNP leader Fazlur Rahman over allegations of contempt of court brought by the prosecution. He has been asked to appear in person on 8 December to explain his remarks.
Earlier, the prosecution filed a contempt of court allegation against him. Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim submitted the allegation before International Crimes Tribunal-1 on 26 November.
According to the allegation, during a talk show on a private television channel, Fazlur Rahman stated that he does not accept the tribunal. He claimed the tribunal was formed to try crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War and therefore cannot hold trials on any other matters.
Prosecutor Gazi Monowar said the tribunal is authorised to try crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against peace. He added that the ongoing proceedings relate to crimes against humanity, while Fazlur Rahman appears to focus solely on war crimes.
Citing another part of the talk show, Prosecutor Gazi Monowar said Fazlur Rahman remarked: “The formation process of this court says—this court cannot conduct trials. Those conducting the trials here, I believe they have something internal among them.”
The prosecutor argued that Fazlur Rahman, being a senior Supreme Court lawyer and a BNP candidate, is well aware of the consequences of making such comments. Yet he continues to make statements about political parties, the tribunal’s formation, and its proceedings. His remarks undermine the tribunal and indicate intentional contempt of court, he said.
Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, a member of Tribunal-1, was present during the presentation of the allegation. The tribunal’s chairman, Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, and member Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmood were absent.
After hearing the prosecution, Justice Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury said the allegation was very serious.
Fazlur Rahman has recently received the BNP nomination for the Kishoreganj-4 constituency (Itna-Mithamain-Austagram) in the upcoming national election.