Hasina didn’t order use of lethal weapons, helicopter firing during July Uprising, lawyer claims
The purpose of deploying drones and helicopters was to monitor public gatherings, control crowds, says the defence counsel
Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina did not order the use of drones, helicopter firing, or lethal weapons to kill anyone during last year's July Uprising, her state-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain told the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today (21 October).
He explained, "The purpose of deploying drones and helicopters was to monitor public gatherings, control crowds, and prevent damage to life and property, not to kill. Had there been any intent to kill, casualties would have been far higher."
Amir made the statement on the second day of presenting arguments on behalf of fugitive Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal before the three-member ICT-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder.
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Addressing claims of shooting from a helicopter, the defence lawyer said the prosecution could not prove whether the helicopter fired shots or if such shots caused any deaths. He added that someone on the roof of a high-rise building could have fired the shots.
The tribunal noted that Hasina's alleged instructions, referenced in a phone conversation, had been reportedly confirmed by the BBC and later by the CID through forensic testing.
Amir questioned the credibility of the forensic report, arguing that it should have been cross-verified by another organisation of equal or higher authority, which was not done.
He said, "Relying on a single report, particularly with government involvement, raises doubts."
The lawyer also denied Hasina's direct involvement in the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayed, noting that the former prime minister had expressed sympathy for the victims.
Hasina ordered using lethal force, shooting from helicopter: Ex-IGP Mamun testifies
Amir also claimed that the state failed to prove any charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
He said, "The state's plea for their punishment under Sections 20(2) and 20(2A) of the International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973, is baseless and the accused should be acquitted."
Besides Hasina and Kamal, former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun is also an accused in the case. However, he has become a state witness.
The tribunal scheduled the next hearing for arguments in favour of the accused tomorrow (22 October).
