Staff Reporter :
To ensure transparency in the ongoing contempt of court case against ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the International Crimes Tribunal has appointed Senior Supreme Court Advocate A.Y. Mashiuzzaman as amicus curiae (friend of the court).
The order was passed on Thursday (June 19) by a three-member bench of the tribunal led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder. The other two members of the bench are Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
The case originates from a controversial audio clip circulated online in which the statement “we have received a license to kill 226 people” was allegedly made.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam filed the contempt petition against Sheikh Hasina and her co-accused Shakil Akand Bulbul alias Md. Shakil Alam (40) of Gobindaganj, Gaibandha, citing this remark as a serious violation of judicial dignity.
Previously, on April 30, the tribunal had summoned both accused to appear in person and explain their positions by May 25. However, neither Sheikh Hasina nor Shakil Akand appeared before the tribunal or submitted any explanation through legal representatives.
As a result, the tribunal ordered public notices in national newspapers, which were subsequently published, instructing the accused to appear on June 3 to respond to the allegations.
Despite this, the accused failed to comply again, prompting the tribunal to move forward with procedural measures.
In Thursday’s hearing, the tribunal officially appointed Senior Advocate A.Y. Mashiuzzaman as amicus curiae to assist the court in the matter impartially.
Additionally, Supreme Court lawyer Aminul Gani Titu was appointed as state defense counsel on behalf of Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Akand Bulbul to ensure their legal representation.
The next hearing of the case has been scheduled for June 25, 2025.
