Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has taken a significant step by ordering the publication of a notice in two widely circulated newspapers, summoning ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former Chhatra League leader Shakil Alam Bulbul to address contempt of court charges. This development came after a petition was heard by the tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Murtoza Majumder, with chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam presenting the case.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the tribunal has directed that the notice be published in both a Bengali and an English newspaper within the next seven days. The court has also set June 3 as the date for the next orders related to this case. The contempt charges stem from an audio clip featuring a speech by Sheikh Hasina, in which she purportedly claimed that 227 cases had been filed against her, equating to licenses for killing 227 people. This audio clip was circulated online and subsequently examined by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police, who confirmed the speech’s authenticity.
The ICT’s decision to charge Sheikh Hasina with contempt came after the clip’s circulation, prompting the tribunal to request statements from her by May 15. However, with both accused failing to appear before the tribunal, the court has now mandated the publication of a notice in newspapers to summon them for the contempt of court case.