The Bangladesh Awami League has expressed deep concern and protest over the inhuman torture and coercion used to force former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdullah Al Mamun to become a state witness in a false and farcical case filed at the so-called International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD).
This is part of a malicious attempt to wrongfully convict the daughter of Bangabandhu, five-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and others based on false and baseless allegations, the AL said in a statement on Thursday.
The party strongly condemned and expressed its utter disgust at this heinous and despicable incident.
Poll: 71% will not vote if Awami League cannot participate
ICT-BD: Awami League condemns indictment of Sheikh Hasina
How Attorney General Asad is abusing power to justify injustice
In the case where the former IGP is being turned into a state witness, there are only three accused, and he is the sole one present. By making him a witness, this illegal tribunal is attempting to falsely implicate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
It is clear that when the prosecution failed to present any factual evidence after a long period of investigation, they resorted to coercing Abdullah Al Mamun as a state witness.
This proves that the prosecution has no concrete evidence and is instead dependent on forced testimony. In politically motivated cases, such tactics are often used to turn co-accused into state witnesses to target political opponents for conviction. Such acts are typically used when there is a lack of credible evidence to prove the charges, the party said.
The Awami League asserts that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has committed no crime. The prosecutionโs inability to present any evidence against her is why they are now resorting to pressure and coercion.
The Awami League believes that this entire farcical trial is an act of vengeance by the illegal, occupying, murderous, fascist regime of Yunus. It is being conducted in retaliation for the successful prosecution of 1971 war criminals during Sheikh Hasinaโs government. Now, this illegal interim regime is staging a fabricated trial to take political revenge against the daughter of Bangabandhu, the statement added.
โWe have learned that not only was former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun subjected to inhuman torture in prison, but his family has also endured indescribable abuse and oppression. His family has been threatened: if he refuses to become a state witness, he will be hanged, and his family members will be arrested, imprisoned, and face similar fates. We have also come to know that within prison, representatives of the interim regime led by fascist Yunus have told him that if he agrees to become a state witness and testifies as instructed, he will be released.โ
The Awami League holds that such treatment of a detained individual is not only inhumane but also illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.
According to the prevailing laws of the land, such actions are entirely criminal. Forcing someone to be a state witness and using their coerced testimony to present a particular narrative is a blatant violation of the rule of law.
This farcical, vindictive, and politically motivated trial by the illegal tribunal has deeply angered the people of the country. It is now clear to the public that this fabricated trial against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is being staged as retaliation for her role in prosecuting war criminals of 1971.
โBut in the end, politics that stand with the people will prevail, and anti-people conspirators will be thrown into the dustbin of history. We firmly believe that the patriotic people of this country, united in the spirit of the Liberation War, will give a resounding reply to these anti-national forces.
โWe call upon the people of the country and the global community to raise their voice against this injustice, oppression, and humanitarian disaster unfolding in Bangladesh. Stand up to save Bangladesh and the Bengali nation.โ
Former IGP Mamun was arrested in Uttara on September 4. On October 8, he was placed on a 43-day remand in eight cases.
English