Staff Reporter :
Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina never resigned from office on 5 August last year but was instead compelled to leave for India, claimed Md Amir Hossain, the state-appointed defence counsel for Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
He made the remark on Sunday during his cross-examination of Nahid Islam, a key figure in the July movement, at the International Crimes Tribunal-1.
Nahid, who serves as the convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), appeared before the tribunal as the 47th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial against Hasina and two others over allegations of crimes against humanity committed during the July Uprising of 2024.
Challenging Nahid’s deposition, Amir Hossain argued, “The one-point movement that toppled the Awami League government on 3 August 2024 was not a spontaneous event but the outcome of long-term planning.
Both internal and external powers were involved in it. It was
under their influence that Dr Yunus was offered the leadership of the interim government.”
The prosecution immediately objected, stating that such political narratives were irrelevant and only matters directly tied to the charges should be discussed.
Responding to this, Hasina’s counsel clarified, “We do not intend to drag Dr Yunus into this case. His name has been mentioned solely to counter points raised in the witness’s statement.”
Defending his clients, Amir Hossain further asserted that Sheikh Hasina and Kamal bore no responsibility for the violence. “Hasina never instructed the use of helicopters or lethal weapons to crush the protests.
Instead, she consistently worked to safeguard people’s lives and property while ensuring law and order.”
He added, “There were no crimes against humanity during July-August 2024, and hence the accused cannot be found guilty.”
Witness Nahid Islam dismissed these arguments, insisting they were false. He also stated that he came to know of the killings and atrocities carried out on 5 August from coordinators Hasnat and Sarjis.
Earlier, on 18 September, Nahid testified for the second consecutive day, appearing before the tribunal from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm.
Following a recess, he was cross-examined by the state-appointed defence lawyer until 4:00 pm. Since the proceedings could not be wrapped up, the cross-examination resumed today.
Prosecutor Mizanul Islam led the case for the prosecution, assisted by Abdus Sattar Palowan and other colleagues.
