Prosecution seeks maximum sentence, Hasina's lawyer expects acquittal
During the hearing, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the only accused currently under arrest, was produced before the tribunal. Hasina and Kamal remain absconding
As the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 set 17 November for delivering its verdict in a crimes against humanity case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the prosecution has sought the highest punishment while the defence expressed hope for acquittal.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam demanded the maximum sentence for the accused, whereas state-appointed defence counsel Md Amir Hossain said he expected the tribunal to acquit them, stating that he had presented his arguments to the best of his ability despite his clients' absence.
"I have seen no irregularities in the trial proceedings. No one interrupted me, and I tried my utmost within my limitations. There was no shortcoming in my efforts, nor did anyone obstruct me," said Amir Hossain at a press briefing today (13 November).
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"My only limitation was that my clients were absent," he added.
The tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, fixed the date today (13 November). The other members of the three-member panel are Justice Shofiul Alam Mahmud and retired District and Sessions Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
During the hearing, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the only accused currently under arrest, was produced before the tribunal. Hasina and Kamal remain absconding.
Over 28 working days, the tribunal heard testimonies from 54 witnesses. Al-Mamun, now in custody, has turned state witness, confessing his involvement before the tribunal.
In this case, the prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity against the three accused. The formal charge document spans 8,747 pages, including 2,018 pages of references, 4,005 pages of seizure lists and documentary evidence, and 2,724 pages detailing the list of martyrs.
The prosecution has brought five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against Hasina, Kamal, and Abdullah Al-Mamun, based on a probe report filed by the ICT investigation agency on 12 May.
The tribunal framed charges against the trio on 10 July.
