Hasina did not resign, was forced to leave for India on 5 Aug: State-appointed lawyer tells tribunal
Both domestic and foreign forces were behind it and with their instigation, Dr Yunus was offered the position of chief of the interim government, says Hasina's counsel Amir
Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina did not resign from her post on 5 August last year but was forced to leave for India, claimed Md Amir Hossain, the state-appointed defence counsel representing Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
He made the statement today (21 September) while cross-examining Nahid Islam, a key leader of the July movement, at the International Crimes Tribunal-1.
Nahid, convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), appeared as the 47th witness in the ongoing case against Hasina and two others over crimes against humanity committed during the July Uprising last year.
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Rejecting Nahid Islam's testimony, Amir Hossain said, "The one-point movement that brought down the Awami League government on 3 August 2024 was a long-planned programme. Both domestic and foreign forces were behind it. With their instigation, Dr Yunus was offered the position of chief of the interim government."
The prosecution objected to these remarks, arguing that such discussions were not relevant to the case, and only case-related issues should be addressed.
Hasina's counsel responded, "We do not consider it appropriate to involve Dr Yunus, but this point has been raised only in response to the witness's testimony."
Defending his clients, Amir Hossain argued that Sheikh Hasina and Kamal were innocent. "Hasina never ordered the use of helicopters or lethal weapons to suppress the movement. On the contrary, she made every possible effort to protect the lives and property of the people and to maintain law and order."
"No crimes against humanity were committed during July–August 2024, and therefore the accused are not guilty," he added.
Witness Nahid Islam, however, refuted the lawyer's claims, calling them untrue.
He further stated that he learned details about the killings and atrocities carried out across the country on 5 August from coordinators Hasnat and Sarjis.
Earlier, Nahid testified for the second day on 18 September, appearing before the tribunal from 11:15am until noon.
Following a recess, he was cross-examined by the state defence lawyer until 4pm. As the session could not be completed that day, the cross-examination continued today.
Prosecutor Mizanul Islam appeared for the prosecution, assisted by Prosecutor Abdus Sattar Palowan and others.
