Sacked army officer Ziaul Ahsan, accused of crimes against humanity involving over a hundred enforced disappearances and killings, has expressed fear for his life while being transported between prison and the International Crimes Tribunal.
Considering safety concerns following his apprehension, the prosecution has proposed conducting his case hearings virtually from prison via audio-visual conferencing rather than requiring his physical presence at the tribunal.
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 set the matter for order, after concluding arguments from both sides on Thursday. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim stated that Ziaul Ahsan himself raised concerns regarding his safety during the hearing.
Quoting Ziaul Ahsan, Prosecutor Tamim informed the tribunal, “I fear that while being brought from jail to the tribunal, someone might stage an incident on the road and pin the blame on me.”
In light of this fear, the prosecution formally requested that the court permit Ziaul Ahsan to join proceedings through audio-visual conferencing from jail instead of producing him physically in court.
Meanwhile, Ziaul Ahsan’s defence lawyer, Naznin Nahar, pointed out that since the tribunal commenced operations in 2024, inmates had been transported together in the same vehicle from Keraniganj Prison.
However, since 16 September, Ziaul Ahsan has been transported alone in a separate vehicle while other prisoners continue to be brought together.
Terming this solo transportation a “deep conspiracy,” Naznin Nahar submitted an application requesting that Ziaul Ahsan be transported alongside other prisoners in the same vehicle.
She stated that the court assured the matter would be considered before keeping the issue for order following the hearing.
