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Sheikh Hasina’s state-appointed lawyer has rejected the attorney general’s accusation that the deposed prime minister fled Bangladesh to evade justice, saying instead that she was “forced to leave”.
The exchange came on Thursday during the closing arguments of the July Uprising crimes against humanity case at International Crimes Tribunal–1, where Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman delivered his concluding statement for the prosecution, bdnews24.com reports.
Asaduzzaman said, “What had happened that made her (Hasina) flee? They [Hasina-led government] have killed people. They committed crimes against humanity. The prosecution presented witnesses against them. They knew the trial was inevitable. That’s why they ran away.”
He added, “Those who committed these crimes are fully aware of everything. It’s certain they will not appear before this tribunal. Beyond any doubt, we have proved their crimes. There are approvers, solid pieces of evidence, circumstantial evidence -- all of which will establish their guilt beyond doubt.”
Asaduzzaman argued that the evidence presented would prove crimes against humanity in any court anywhere in the world.
The attorney general also submitted records to the tribunal showing several heads of government in other countries -- including prime ministers of Japan and Hungary -- who were sentenced to death in the 1940s for similar crimes.
Recalling Hasina’s words, Asaduzzaman said: “She once told another person to return home and face trial if he had the courage. I had believed she meant that sincerely. But now I see she did not.”
Referring to Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, he said: “If these accused are sentenced to death, many will protest. But if these two are not tried, Bangladeshis will be branded as timid and cowardly.
“I hope the suspects will accept the tribunal’s verdict and not choose any other path. I hope this court ensures the highest punishment.”
The tribunal’s chair then said, “It doesn’t matter who said what -- the tribunal will ensure justice.”
After Asaduzzaman concluded, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam responded to earlier arguments made by Hasina’s counsel, who had said: “Trying someone under this law is like tying their hands and feet and throwing them in the river, telling them to swim.”
Tajul countered that the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act of 1973 was “compatible with the Rome Statute” and constitutionally protected, citing Section 19 of the Act. He also referred to the verification of video and audio evidence by the NTC, BBC and Al Jazeera.
Hasina’s defence lawyer Amir Hossain then said, “The attorney general claimed my client fled. I say she didn’t flee -- she was forced to leave.”
Addressing Asaduzzaman’s remark about bringing Hasina home to face trial, he added: “For the same reason that another person (Tarique Rahman) hasn’t returned, my client also isn’t coming back.”
The tribunal chair then said the verdict date would be announced on Nov 13.
Hasina stands accused alongside former home minister Asaduzzaman and ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Mamun has turned approver after confessing his role.
On Jul 10, the tribunal indicted Hasina and her two co-suspects for allegedly inciting, provoking, and ordering the killing of 1,400 people during the crackdown on the July Uprising, under charges of superior command responsibility and joint criminal enterprise.