The verdict has gone against me, and I am deeply pained

State-appointed defence lawyer Md Amir Hossain has said that he feels distressed by the death sentence handed down to the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the case related to crimes against humanity. He stated, “The verdict against my clients (Hasina-Kamal) could have been different. But it did not happen. The judgment has gone against me, and for that, I am feeling hurt.”

He made these remarks on Monday (17 November) afternoon while responding after the International Crimes Tribunal announced the verdict.

When asked why he felt distressed, Amir Hossain replied, “I have no opportunity to file an appeal in this case unless they surrender or are arrested.”

It is to be noted that Md Amir Hossain is serving as the state-appointed defence counsel for Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

Earlier, a three-member judicial panel of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, sentenced the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. She received the death penalty for the second charge and life imprisonment for the first charge.

In addition, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was also sentenced to death. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Mamun, who served as a state witness and assisted in revealing the truth, was sentenced to five years in prison.