‘Sheikh Hasina Did Not Resign on 5 August’

At the International Crimes Tribunal-1, Mohammad Amir Hossain, the State Defence Lawyer representing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, has asserted that: “Sheikh Hasina did not resign on 5 August last year; rather, she was compelled to leave for India.”

This statement was made on Sunday, 21 September, during the examination of Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP). Nahid appeared as the 47th witness in the ongoing trial concerning crimes against humanity committed in July-August of the previous year, which involves Sheikh Hasina and two others. His testimony has been ongoing for two days.

Mohammad Amir Hossain rejected the witness’s account, stating:

• On 3 August 2024, a nationwide programme aimed at toppling the government had been planned long in advance.
• The movement was allegedly instigated by domestic and foreign forces, resulting in a proposal to appoint Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the head of an interim government.

He emphasised that Sheikh Hasina did not give any orders to use helicopters or lethal weapons to suppress the movement. On the contrary, she reportedly took maximum measures to protect civilians and maintain peace and order. The State Defence contends that no crimes against humanity occurred in July-August 2024.

The prosecution objected to this political analysis, stating that the trial should only focus on case-related matters. Sheikh Hasina’s legal team also noted that mentioning Dr. Yunus was inappropriate in the context of this trial.

Contrary to the defence claims, witness Nahid Islam stated that these assertions were not true. He claimed that on 5 August, he received information about nationwide killings and abuses from coordinator Hasnat Sarjis.

• The second day of Nahid’s examination began after 11:00 am and concluded at 12:30 pm, after which he addressed the media in a press briefing.
• His testimony had previously begun on 18 September, but could not be completed, necessitating the continuation on 21 September.

Court Attendance

• The hearing was conducted by prosecutor Mizanul Islam, with other prosecution members, including Abdus Sattar Palwan, present.

Key Points

The proceedings highlight conflicting accounts between the defence and prosecution regarding Sheikh Hasina’s actions and the events of 5 August 2024.