'I will be happiest if Sheikh Hasina is acquitted,' says defence counsel
When asked if he has attempted to establish any contact with the ousted prime minister currently in India, the lawyer responded, "I have not tried"
Advocate Amir Hossain, the state-appointed defence counsel for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a case concerning crimes against humanity committed during the July Uprising, has expressed his hope for her acquittal, stating he will be the happiest person if his client walks free.
Speaking to journalists on the International Crimes Tribunal premises today (17 November), Amir emphasised his hope to see his client exonerated.
"I hope that my client [Sheikh Hasina] will be acquitted. That is my hope, that is my expectation. That is the natural expectation I must have," he said, adding, "I am saying this from the bottom of my heart. I have handled this case for so many months for a person, so if she is acquitted, no one will be happier than me."
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When asked if he has attempted to establish any contact with the ousted prime minister currently in India, the lawyer responded, "I have not tried. There is also no provision for me to try. They (Sheikh Hasina and her associates) have also not attempted to contact me or offer any assistance whatsoever."
The case also names former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun as the accused. Hasina and Asaduzzaman are absconding, while Mamun has turned a state witness.
The prosecution has brought five charges against the three, including incitement, provocation and command responsibility for the killing of 1,400 people, and the maiming of another 25,000 during the July Uprising.
Advocate Amir Hossain clarified, "Even if they had offered any indirect assistance, perhaps it would have been better for me. But no one did anything like that. Legally, there is no provision for it either."
When questioned about the IGP-turned state witness, Advocate Hossain declined to comment saying, "He is not my client. It is not appropriate for me to speak about him. Why should I speak for someone who is not my client? It is not proper."
Reflecting on the overall due process, Hossain said, "From my observation, I don't see anything [wrong with the trial]. I believe the trial was conducted well."
The International Crimes Tribunal is set to deliver the verdict today (17 November) against the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and three co-defendants in the first crimes against humanity case filed over the killings during the July Uprising.
The verdict will be announced by the three-member judicial panel of International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar. The other members are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired district and sessions Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
A strong security cordon has been established around the ICT since last night (16 November) in anticipation of the verdict. Police, RAB, BGB, and Army personnel are deployed at the premises and the High Court area.
