The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Wednesday appointed Advocate Amir Hossain as state defence counsel to represent fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in two cases filed over enforced disappearances during her tenure.
The cases relate to alleged crimes against humanity linked to operations conducted by the Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) and the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC).
Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has also been assigned a state-appointed lawyer, Supreme Court advocate M Hasan Imam, to represent him in the same proceedings.
The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumder, issued the order. Other members of the bench include Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired District and Sessions Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
Earlier, Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna had been appointed to represent the accused at the state’s expense but later requested to withdraw, a request approved by the tribunal.
Legal provisions allow fugitive defendants charged with crimes against humanity to receive legal representation.
Fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, accused of crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising, were represented by state-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain in their trial. In a landmark verdict on 7 November, both defendants were sentenced to death.
Meanwhile, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Salman F Rahman, and Anisul Haque are also set to face charges for alleged crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising.
The investigation agency has submitted its report to the prosecution, paving the way for formal proceedings against the four individuals.
