Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 has postponed the hearing on a contempt of court petition against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leader Shakil Akand Bulbul to June 19. This decision was made by the tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, due to the absence of the accused despite published notices urging their presence in court to provide explanations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ICT-1 had previously issued notices in two national newspapers on May 26, summoning Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Akand Bulbul to appear before the tribunal on June 3. The notices were in response to a contempt of court application filed by the prosecution, alleging that Sheikh Hasina obstructed the ICT investigation by issuing threats and making inflammatory speeches.
Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam represented the prosecution during the hearing, emphasizing the significance of the charges. ICT prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim highlighted the tribunal’s prior efforts to ensure the presence of the accused, including the issuance of a contempt of court notice and subsequent publication of notices in national dailies after the initial non-appearance on May 25.
Tamim further explained that obstructing the trial or threatening the tribunal’s processes could result in a one-year jail term and a fine of Taka 5,000, as stipulated under the relevant act. The tribunal’s recent order reaffirms its commitment to upholding justice by providing the accused another opportunity to present their explanations on June 19.