Crimes against humanity case against Hasina: Verdict date likely to be set tomorrow
State appointed defence counsel Md Amir Hossain concluded his arguments for the fugitive accused Hasina and Kamal today
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is likely to issue an order tomorrow (23 October), setting the date for its verdict in a case of crimes against humanity against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
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Speaking at a press conference today (22 October), Senior Prosecutor Mizanul Islam said the arguments of the defence counsel, representing the fugitive accused Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and for the state witness former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun have been completed.
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"We have presented some parts and responded on behalf of the prosecution. Tomorrow, the chief prosecutor and attorney general will make closing statements. After that, a date will be set for the formal verdict in the case," he added.
State appointed defence counsel Md Amir Hossain concluded his arguments for the fugitive Hasina and Kamal at 3:15pm today, urging the tribunal to acquit them and describing them as innocent.
"Former IGP Mamun is trying to save his life by putting a gun on someone else's shoulder." Hasina's lawyer Amir Hossain
The arguments took place before a three-member panel led by ICT-1 Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder.
In his arguments, Amir Hossain challenged the statements of various witnesses, including state witness Mamun, Daily Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman, and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, rejecting their testimonies.
He alleged that Mamun, the state witness, was "trying to save his life by putting a gun on someone else's shoulder."
Additionally, Hasina's lawyer stated that Mahmudur Rahman harboured a dislike for the former prime minister due to differing ideologies. However, the defence argued that his testimony would not influence the case.
Subsequently, Mamun's lawyer, Zayed Bin Amjad, presented his arguments.
The prosecution team also includes Gazi MH Tamim, Faruk Ahmed, Moinul Karim, and Sultan Mahmud.
Earlier on 16 October, the prosecution concluded its five-day argument, with Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam appealing to the tribunal for the death penalty for Hasina and Kamal. He left the matter of punishment for former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, to the discretion of the court.
