Hasina was forced to leave, did not flee the country: Defence counsel

Ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina did not flee the country but was compelled to leave due to prevailing circumstances, State defence counsel Md Amir Hossain has said.

He made the comment today (23 October) while speaking to reporters at a press briefing on the premises of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) after the conclusion of defence arguments in a case concerning crimes against humanity committed during July and August.

The case involves three accused, including Hasina.

Amir said he responded to two points raised by the attorney general, "He implied that my client had fled the country. Sheikh Hasina publicly stated that she would rather die or be buried in this country than go abroad. However, the situation forced her to leave by helicopter, which the people witnessed. Fleeing suggests escaping in secrecy, which is not the case here."

"To constitute a crime against humanity, there must be intent to eliminate a community, nation or group, as seen in Hitler's actions against the Jews—where both genocide and crimes against humanity applied. That standard does not apply here," he stated.

The defence lawyer added that, just as the prosecution seeks justice, so does the defence, and it is the tribunal's duty to ensure fairness.

Crimes against humanity: ICT to announce verdict date against Hasina, Kamal on 13 Nov

Referring to earlier political remarks, he said, "When a political leader was abroad, Hasina urged him to return and face trial. He did not. Similarly, circumstances prevented her from returning."

He expressed confidence that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges against Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and hoped they would be acquitted honourably.

Today marks the final day of closing arguments in the crimes against humanity case against Sheikh Hasina and two others. The tribunal will announce its verdict on 13 November.