Senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna has been appointed to represent Hasanul Haq Inu, President of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD), in the war crimes case related to the Kushtia student protests, in which seven people were killed.

On Sunday, 28 September, Z I Khan Panna confirmed the development to journalists outside the International Crimes Tribunal. Prior to this, he met with Hasanul Haq Inu and formally submitted his power of attorney to the tribunal to represent Inu in the legal proceedings.

Speaking to the media, Z I Khan Panna said: “The state machinery is not functioning properly, and the judiciary is not immune to this deviation. Justice has been lost amid the dominance of mob culture, and the state is taking advantage of this.”

He further stated that he would fight the legal battle on behalf of former Information Minister and JASAD President Hasanul Haq Inu.

Regarding accountability for the killings, the senior lawyer noted that anyone found guilty should face appropriate punishment, while also clarifying his ethical stance on the death penalty.

Although Hasanul Haq Inu was not required to appear at the tribunal initially, he was brought to Tribunal-2 from Tribunal-1 as part of procedural requirements.

Earlier, the International Crimes Tribunal had formally accepted the charges against Hasanul Haq Inu for crimes against humanity committed during the Kushtia anti-discrimination student protests. The tribunal also directed that he appear in court on 29 September, which was scheduled as the hearing for framing of charges.

On 25 September, a three-member bench of the tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, had officially recorded the charges.

Z I Khan Panna’s appointment marks a significant step in Inu’s legal defence, with proceedings now moving forward under his guidance at the tribunal.