The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Tuesday rejected senior lawyer ZI Khan Panna鈥檚 request to be appointed as state defence counsel for deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina is facing trial in absentia over her alleged superior command responsibility during the July 2024 uprising.
A three-member panel, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, dismissed the plea, which was submitted by lawyer Naznin Nahar on Panna鈥檚 behalf. Panna is currently defending several Awami League leaders charged with crimes against humanity linked to the July 2024 attacks on protesters.
The tribunal noted that a defence lawyer has already been appointed for Hasina and said there is no scope to appoint Panna at this stage of the trial.
However, it added that his appointment could be considered in future cases, if needed.
