Bangladesh Lawyers Criticise ‘Unfair’ In Absentia Trial of Sheikh Hasina, Raise Concerns Over Defence Gaps
A special court in Bangladesh rejected a senior lawyer’s plea to represent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently on trial in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity. The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) stated that the state-appointed defence lawyer would represent Hasina, dismissing further requests.
Lawyer ZI Khan Panna, a 1971 war veteran and chairman of the Bangladesh Bar Council’s legal aid committee, had offered to defend Hasina but was denied both to represent her and to assist the state-appointed counsel. The tribunal has appointed a relatively unknown lawyer, Amir Hossain, to defend Hasina and another accused, with concerns raised about conflict of interest and lack of proper defence preparation.
British journalist and rights activist David Bergman highlighted the difficulties faced by the defence, pointing out that one lawyer is representing two accused with opposing interests, and that the lawyer received evidence only weeks before the trial, without client contact.
The trial relates to alleged atrocities during the “July Uprising” protests last year, which led to Hasina’s resignation and exile in India. The prosecution accuses her of masterminding the crackdown that reportedly caused around 1,400 deaths.
The case has sparked debate on fairness, with critics questioning whether the former leader is receiving a just trial amid procedural concerns and political tensions.
