ICT prosecution files contempt charge against BNP leader Fazlur Rahman
The contempt allegation stems from Advocate Fazlur Rahman’s comments including “Ami e bichar mani na” made on Channel 24’s talk show Muktobak on 23 November, where he reportedly criticised the tribunal’s structure and judicial process
The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has filed a contempt of court petition against BNP leader Advocate Fazlur Rahman for making derogatory remarks about the tribunal and the trials concerning crimes against humanity committed during July-August.
The petition was submitted today (26 November) before the single-member ICT-1 bench of retired district and sessions judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. Following partial hearing, the tribunal scheduled the next hearing for Sunday (30 November).
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim said the matter is serious and further hearing will take place in the presence of the tribunal chairman.
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The contempt allegation stems from Advocate Fazlur Rahman's comments including "Ami e bichar mani na" made on Channel 24's talk show Muktobak on 23 November, where he reportedly criticised the tribunal's structure and judicial process.
The prosecution told the tribunal that on 23 November senior lawyer Fazlur Rahman appeared as a guest on a talk show of a private television channel, where he made several comments about the International Crimes Tribunal's judicial process remarks that amounted to contempt of court.
The tribunal asked whether Fazlur Rahman held any other identity. Prosecutor Tamim replied that he was an adviser to the BNP chairperson and a nominated candidate for the upcoming national election. He also noted that Fazlur Rahman's party position had earlier been suspended for making similar critical remarks about the July uprising.
Prosecutor Tamim then read out the specific legal provisions under which the contempt allegation was brought.
Advocate Fazlur Rahman, who has secured BNP's nomination for the upcoming national election from Kishoreganj-4 (Itna, Mithamoin and Austagram), previously served as an adviser to the BNP chairperson.
On 26 August, the BNP suspended his primary membership and all party positions for three months over allegations of violating party discipline.
