Dhaka: Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman today emphasized the public’s demand for maximum punishment through legal channels in a crimes against humanity case against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. “It’s no doubt a historic moment. We came here before you for justice. We want maximum punishment through legal framework, through legal process,” he stated while addressing the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 before the submission of the opening statement in the case.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Attorney General drew historical parallels, mentioning figures like Hitler, Mussolini, and Pinochet, as well as Oliver Cromwell. He recounted Cromwell’s posthumous punishment, highlighting the difference in approach by stating, “We are not that ruthless, we don’t want to dig up anyone’s body from the grave, and we don’t want to hang any dead body or cut off his head. But we want maximum punishment through legal process and that is why we are here today.”
He also mentioned the country’s experiences of violence, enforced disappearances, and corruption, reflecting on the Awami rule from 1972 to 1975 and questioning leadership from 2009 to 2024. The Attorney General further commented on autocratic tendencies without directly naming Sheikh Hasina, suggesting that she could lead an association of autocrats and could have been a teacher to Goebbels in deceit.
In his closing remarks, he invoked the memory of Mugdho and Abu Sayeed, affirming the commitment to justice and the pursuit of maximum punishment through legal means.