I Would Have Been Most Happy if Sheikh Hasina Was Acquitted

The trial at the International Crimes Tribunal has been conducted properly and transparently. If my client Sheikh Hasina is acquitted in the tribunal’s verdict, I would have been the most happy. I always hope that my client will be acquitted. This is my expectation, my hope.

This is natural, I must have such expectations. I say this from the heart: I have represented one person in a case for so many months; if she is acquitted, who else could be happier than me?

On Monday (17 November), at the International Crimes Tribunal premises, state-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain made these remarks in response to journalists’ questions.

When asked whether he had tried to communicate with Sheikh Hasina, he said, “I did not try. There is no provision for that. She also did not attempt any communication or provide any assistance to me. If she had in any way, it would have been better for me, but no one did anything. Legally, there is no provision.”

Regarding prosecution witness Abdullah Al Mamun, he said, “He is not my client. It is not appropriate for me to speak about him, because I should speak on behalf of those I represent in court. Why would I speak on behalf of someone who is not my accused? That is not proper, that is not appropriate.”

The state-appointed lawyer for the accused further added, “I believe the trial has been conducted well.”

Khaborwala/TSN