The prosecution on Wednesday alleged that Hasanul Haq Inu, president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), instigated and incited former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to commit crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising.
During a hearing at the International Crimes Tribunal-2, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam argued that Hasina implemented various destructive decisions after being motivated by Inu’s provocation.
The prosecution further contended that as a top leader of the Awami League-led alliance, Inu bears “superior command responsibility” for the crimes committed during that period.
The prosecution’s arguments featured a recorded telephone conversation between Hasina and Inu, in which the JSD president allegedly characterised the mass movement as “militancy” and advocated for its suppression.
Prosecutor Faruk Ahammed was also present during the session.
Representing the accused, defence counsels Munsurul Huq Chowdhury and Sifat Mahmud countered the claims, asserting that the recorded conversation contains no instructions to shoot, bomb, or torture protesters.
They argued that the documents submitted by the prosecution fail to provide evidence that Inu conspired or incited anyone to commit acts of violence or torture to quell the movement.
The tribunal, led by Prosecutor Mizanul Islam, adjourned the hearing until Thursday, as the prosecution’s arguments remain unfinished. The defence had concluded its arguments earlier in the case.
Hasanul Huq Inu, who served as the Information Minister during the Awami League’s tenure, was arrested on 26 August 2024. He was later shown arrested in this specific case involving the killing of six individuals in Kushtia during the 2024 uprising.
Notably, Inu lost his parliamentary seat in Kushtia during the 12th general election to an Awami League rebel candidate.
The legal proceedings for this case began on 25 September last year when the prosecution filed eight specific charges, which the tribunal subsequently took into cognisance.
The recording of prosecution witnesses commenced on 1 December.
