ICT-BD: Tribunal replaces pro-Jamaat lawyer in Sheikh Hasina’s contempt case

Following severe criticism, the Jamaat-controlled International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) has removed the state-appointed lawyer for Awami League President and five-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the contempt of court case.

Aminul Gani Titu, a junior lawyer who works with Shishir Monir, a former president of Islami Chhatra Shibir, was replaced by Amir Hossain because questions were raised about his conflict of interest.

Titu had been campaigning for Sheikh Hasina’s capital punishment since the August 5 changeover. Moreover, the ICT-BD has been criticised for being operated by Jamaat-e-Islami elements as its chairman and the chief prosecutor.

The Awami League has rejected the trial proceedings, terming it a mockery of justice. Those who represented the 1971 war criminals at the ICT-BD and are linked to the Jamaat have now become the tribunal chairman and its prosecutors. “We can assume what verdict will come from here,” Sheikh Hasina said recently.

She mentioned that the fascist Yunus-led interim government has released death-row convict ATM Azharul Islam, the commander of the al-Badr force in Rangpur. Yunus has revised the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 (Amendment, 2013) through executive power to hang her through a sham trial.

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On Wednesday, a three-member bench led by Tribunal Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder made the decision.

In the morning, Titu went to the tribunal to fight the legal battle. He stood up and told the court that he was ready to defend his client.

The tribunal then said: “In the meantime, we have received some negative information. Do you still want to proceed?”

Titu claimed his professional neutrality and told the tribunal that he would defend his client.

The tribunal said: “Once you made negative comments about the accused (demanding the hanging of Sheikh Hasina) on social media. So, the question arises whether you can really defend her impartially.”

Titu claimed that he was appointed by the tribunal. “I am an honest lawyer. I need an opportunity to prove myself.”

Justice Mortuza said: “The issue of justice is important to us. From a moral point of view, you should not stand in this case. We know about you. We will need you in the future.”

Titu then filed an appeal to withdraw himself, and the tribunal accepted it.