Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam has stated that the Awami League, as a party, should be brought under trial within a short period of time.
He made these remarks to journalists on Sunday after testifying and being cross-examined in the case of crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising, which involves ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others.
Nahid Islam said, “The Awami League, as a party, should be brought under trial, and there is an opportunity for that. We will also appeal to the tribunal. Sufficient evidence has now been presented to the tribunal. As the party chief, Sheikh Hasina made decisions to kill people to maintain absolute power and stay in power, going against the public.”
“The people resisted and ousted her. Therefore, this is a crime committed by the Awami League as a party. Hence, they should be brought under trial as quickly as possible,” he added.
Nahid’s cross-examination concluded on the day after she testified as the 47th witness in the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar.
During the hearing, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam, and Gazi SH Tamim represented the prosecution. Other prosecutors were also present at the hearing.
State-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain represented the fugitive accused Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Lawyer Zayed bin Amjad represented former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who was arrested in the case and later became a state witness.
On July 10, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 framed charges and ordered the start of the trial against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun in this case.
Apart from this case, there are two other cases against Sheikh Hasina in the tribunal. In one case, she has been accused of “enforced disappearances and killings during the Awami League’s 15 and a half years of rule.” The other case involves the killings at the Hefazat-e-Islam rally in Shapla Square, Motijheel, Dhaka.
