Kader Siddiqui has condemned the imprisonment of his elder brother Abdul Latif Siddiqui, a former Awami League Presidium member and freedom fighter.
He called the case against him over the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown “unjust” and “purpose-driven”.
Speaking outside the International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday, the Krishak Sramik Janata League president said he could not understand the basis of the allegations, arguing that Latif, then the jute minister, had no role in planning the operation.
"He was neither in the cabinet's inner circle nor any kitchen cabinet. Jute has nothing to do with killings," Kader said.
He brushed aside the use of handcuffs, saying he did not consider them an issue.
Kader also alleged that the 87-year-old Latif was treated disrespectfully in court despite being handled well by detectives after his arrest.
Maintaining that his brother was "completely innocent", he said even a death sentence in a crime he did not commit would be accepted, believing God would ultimately deliver justice.