Hasina Forced to Leave for India, Defence Claims at ICT-1

A state-appointed defence lawyer on Sunday told International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina did not resign from office on August 5, 2024, but was instead compelled to leave for India under pressure from both domestic and foreign actors.

Md Amir Hossain, representing Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, made the claim while cross-examining Nahid Islam, convenor of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) and a prominent figure in last year’s July Uprising. Nahid appeared as the 47th prosecution witness in the ongoing crimes against huanity case against the former leaders.

Rejecting the witness’s testimony, Hossain argued that the one-point movement that toppled the Awami League government on August 3, 2024, was part of a long-planned operation orchestrated with involvement from both domestic and foreign entities.

Hossain further alleged that Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus had been offered the position of chief of the interim government under this plan. Prosecutors objected to the mention of Yunus, insisting that only case-related matters should be discussed. The defence lawyer responded that Yunus’s name was cited solely to counter claims made by the witness.

Defending his clients, Hossain emphasised that Hasina and Kamal were innocent of the charges. “Sheikh Hasina never ordered the use of helicopters or lethal weapons against protesters. On the contrary, she sought to protect lives, property, and law and order,” he said. “No crimes against humanity were committed during the July–August 2024 events.”

Witness Nahid Islam rejected the defence’s account, describing it as false. He testified that he obtained details of killings and alleged atrocities carried out on August 5 from movement coordinators Hasnat and Sarjis. Nahid had initially appeared before the court on September 18, and the cross-examination resumed on Sunday after the previous hearing ended prematurely.

The tribunal proceedings continue to focus on the highly controversial events of the July–August 2024 uprising, which saw nationwide protests and political upheaval, leading to the eventual departure of the former government from office. The case remains under intense public scrutiny, given its political sensitivity and implications for Bangladesh’s recent history.