Hasina a ‘Liar, Dictator’ AG defines
Staff Reporter :
Attorney General (AG) Md. Asaduzzaman has called for the maximum punishment for those allegedly responsible for what he described as a “brutal massacre” during the July-August 2024 mass uprising.
He made the demand while delivering his opening statement before International Crimes Tribunal-1 at 11:30am on Sunday.
Without naming her formally as guilty, Asaduzzaman directly implicated former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of orchestrating widespread violence and repression.
“If there were an international association of dictators, Sheikh Hasina would be its president,” he said. “She has mastered deception to such a degree that even Hitler would have sought lessons from her.”
He continued, “She is the worst tyrant in world history and a master of deception. If any dictator wants a PhD in lies, they should learn from her.”
Despite his strong rhetoric, the Attorney General clarified the state’s legal position: “We seek justice within the framework of the law.
This is not a trial of individuals per se, but of the crimes committed. Our objective is to ensure accountability and set a precedent for future generations.”
The trial is being overseen by a three-member panel led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, with Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md Mohitul Haque serving alongside him. Proceedings are being livestreamed via the tribunal’s official Facebook page, reflecting public interest in the high-profile case.
The tribunal has indicted three individuals-Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun-on five charges, including incitement to violence, abuse of command responsibility, and participation in a joint criminal enterprise. The charges relate to the deaths of more than 1,500 people during the uprising.
Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who is now cooperating with the prosecution, has reportedly confessed to crimes against humanity and is serving as a key state witness. He was brought to the tribunal from Keraniganj Central Jail on Sunday morning without handcuffs, highlighting his changed legal status.
The prosecution has submitted a range of evidence, including audio recordings purportedly capturing directives from Sheikh Hasina to use lethal force. A total of 81 witnesses have been listed, including two former caretaker government advisors and the editor of a national newspaper.
The first witness, Khokon Chandro Bormon-who sustained gunshot wounds outside Jatrabari Police Station on 5 August 2024-has already provided testimony.
Other witnesses include Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman, political analyst Badruddin Umar, retired Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman, Nahid Islam, Umama Fatema, and relatives of those killed or injured during the protests.
The tribunal had issued an arrest warrant for Sheikh Hasina on 17 October 2024. While the warrant has been delivered to her last known address, authorities have confirmed that proceedings will continue in absentia under provisions of international law if she fails to appear.
According to tribunal sources, over 500 complaints linked to alleged atrocities during the July uprising have been lodged so far. Trials have begun in four cases, with six more-including one naming 17 senior figures-nearing the final stages of investigation.
Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam opened Sunday’s proceedings with a detailed summary of the charges and pledged that the prosecution would present conclusive evidence and witness testimony to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Concluding his remarks, Attorney General Asaduzzaman said, “This is not a pursuit of personal revenge. Our commitment is to justice, accountability, and the protection of future generations. For that, the severest penalties must be applied where crimes against humanity are proven.”