Abdul Latif Siddique, former minister of the ousted Awami League government, demanded his own execution during a court hearing on Thursday.
The demand was made at the International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) after the court ordered him to be sent to jail, having shown him arrested on charges of genocide related to the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar.
Following the announcement of the order, Latif shouted in the courtroom, “Hang me.”
Earlier, he had sought permission to address the bench, but the court declined the request. Legal counsel present said defendants do not have the opportunity to deliver statements at this specific stage of proceedings.
His brother, Abdul Kader Siddique, the president of Krishak Sramik Janata League, was present during the hearing. Speaking to journalists on the court premises, he said his brother is now 87 years old, while he himself is 80.
Regarding the demand for execution, he said, “How long does a person live? He is 87. I am 80. If he is hanged for a crime he did not commit, we will gladly accept it.” He added that such a fate would grant his brother divine forgiveness for any worldly mistakes.
Kader further questioned foundations of the genocide case, arguing that his brother was the minister for Jute at the time of 2013 incident and could not be described as a planner of those events.
Addressing allegations that Latif was present in meetings with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina during the recent July uprising, Kader said his brother had long-standing disputes with both Awami League and Sheikh Hasina.
He added that negative sentiments were manufactured against his brother within the party following comments he made regarding Sajeeb Wazed Joy, which eventually led to his expulsion from Awami League.
Kader described the current legal proceedings against his brother as “motivated” and affirmed that the family would continue the fight through legal channels.
