Sheikh Hasina recently tried to provoke the army into civil war: ICT chief prosecutor
The chief prosecutor also said Hasina, who fled to India on 5 August last year, showed no remorse for the killings and injuries that took place during last year's July Uprising.
International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has alleged that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina recently attempted to provoke the Bangladesh Army and tried to trigger a civil war — but her provocation failed as the patriotic army refused to respond.
Talking to reporters at the tribunal premises today (23 October), the final day of arguments in the crimes against humanity case against three people including Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Tajul said the attempt came after 15 army officers were taken into custody.
"A few days ago, Sheikh Hasina tried to start a civil war in Bangladesh. She tried to provoke the army, saying that some of their officers were being tried, and they should rise against it. But the patriotic army did not take the bait," he said.
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He added that both the military and the public saw through the incitement. "Only those with clear evidence of crimes have been brought to trial. The army has shown its strong commitment to the rule of law and the law of the land. That's why her provocation failed."
The chief prosecutor also said Hasina, who fled to India on 5 August last year, showed no remorse for the killings and injuries that took place during last year's July Uprising.
"After so many deaths and injuries, after turning Bangladesh into a killing ground, there is no sign of repentance in her [Hasina] behaviour. On the contrary, she has been issuing threats on social media — warning to kill complainants and witnesses and burn their homes," he said.
Tajul said such actions prove the accused have no sense of guilt. "By trying to provoke the army, they have shown their utter lack of remorse. The court's view should be clear — such unrepentant killers deserve no leniency.
"This trial is about ensuring 'never again' — so that children never have to die on the streets, and fear and terror never return to Bangladesh."
Earlier today, ICT-1 set 13 November to announce the date on which the verdict will be delivered in the case.
