The state-appointed defence for deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Wednesday told the International Crimes Tribunal-1 that former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who turned approver in the case, was trying to save himself by shifting responsibility for the July 2024 atrocities onto the two accused.
Defence counsel Amir Hossain made the argument during his closing submissions in the crimes against humanity case against Hasina, Asaduzzaman, both hiding in India, and Mamun over their alleged superior command responsibilities for the July uprising which left around 1,400 people dead and more than 25,000 injured.
Chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam is scheduled for today to respond to the defence arguments, followed by the attorney general Md Asaduzzaman鈥檚 final remarks before the tribunal sets a date for verdict delivery, according to prosecution sources.
During the hearing, tribunal chair Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder asked, 鈥榃hy are the other accused not coming forward to defend themselves?鈥�
In reply, Amir said that the former IGP 鈥榗overed up his own wrongdoing鈥� by blaming others.
The tribunal observed that Mamun did not conceal his role but rather confessed to his involvement.
Amir argued that the IGP鈥檚 claim that orders for the use of force came from the prime minister was false and made only to protect himself.
The prosecution, however, maintained that Sheikh Hasina had directly ordered the use of lethal force to suppress the July movement.
Amir rejected Mamun鈥檚 testimony, saying it was self-serving and unreliable.
The tribunal said that it would examine whether the former IGP met the legal conditions required to qualify as a state approver.
