Awami League must be brought to justice soon for crimes against humanity: Nahid
He argued that while the case currently targets Hasina as an individual, the crimes were of a political nature and were committed by the Awami League as a party
Awami League has to be brought to justice soon as a political party for the crimes against humanity committed during the July Uprising, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has said.
Nahid, the 47th witness in a case against fugitive ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other accused at the International Crimes Tribunal-1, made the call while speaking to journalists after his testimony today (21 September).
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"My formal testimony and cross-examination concluded today. I expect justice. These [crimes] undoubtedly fall under crimes against humanity," said Nahid, one of the key faces of the uprising.
"These crimes will be remembered not only in Bangladesh's history but in the history of the world."
He argued that while the case currently targets Hasina as an individual, the crimes were of a political nature and were committed by the Awami League as a party.
The NCP leader believes the tribunal has the authority to bring the party to trial and that they will be filing an application for it.
"Since Sheikh Hasina was the party chief, she decided to use violence against the people to remain in power. The people put up resistance and overthrew her. Therefore, it is a politically motivated crime committed by the Awami League, and the party should be brought to justice as a whole," he added.
Regarding allegations that the July Uprising was instigated by foreign or local powers, Nahid refuted them, stating, "It was a people's uprising. People took to the streets spontaneously, resisted with their lives, and succeeded. Sheikh Hasina and others fled the country, fearing justice."
The other two accused in the case are former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former inspector general of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
The tribunal formally framed charges in the case on 10 July and also granted Mamun's application to become a state witness.
