Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 has postponed the hearing of a contempt of court case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leader Shakil Akand Bulbul until July 2. The decision was made by the tribunal's three-member panel, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, as they granted a time extension request submitted by amicus curiae senior advocate AY Moshiuzzaman.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Advocate Aminul Gani Tipu, who was designated as the state defense counsel for Sheikh Hasina and Bulbul, has recused himself from the case, citing a conflict of interest. In response, the tribunal appointed Advocate Amir Hossain as Tipu's replacement. The tribunal had previously appointed senior jurist AY Moshiuzzaman as amicus curiae on June 19 to ensure the transparency of the trial.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim commented on the tribunal's decision to appoint an amicus curiae, noting that it was necessary for maintaining transparency since both accused parties had failed to appear despite public notices. The contempt charges stem from a telephonic conversation by the former premier, allegedly claiming she had a "license to kill" 227 people. This prompted the tribunal to request explanations from Hasina and Bulbul by May 15.
After their failure to provide explanations, the tribunal summoned them to appear on May 25. Their continued absence led to the tribunal ordering the publication of notices in two national newspapers, daily Jugantor and daily New Age, instructing them to appear by June 3. The notices, published on May 26, aimed to compel Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Akand Bulbul to address the contempt of court charges levied by the prosecution.