Part of a political conflict against Sheikh Hasina: lawyer

Report by AHSAN TASNIMDhaka: The charge of “crime against crimes” is inappropriate for former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina because he is part of a political struggle in the cases being tried for him and not war, his state-appointed lawyer on Monday argued in the International Crime Tribunal (ICT), which is set for allegations with him and two on July 10.Saying that according to the International Crime (Tribunal) Act, 1973, only acts performed during the war could be prosecuted as “crime against humanity”, Hasina’s lawyer Amir Hussain sought exemption for the politician of Awami League, who is being tried as absent. Hussain is also representing former Home Minister Asduzman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chaudhary Abdullah Al Mamun in this case.Hussein told ICT, “The events arising out of political change, violence and revenge” Hussain told ICT, which was designed to try people accused of war crimes after the 1971 war. “Since no war has taken place, allegations on the basis of crimes against war crimes and humanity are unfair,” he said. Rejecting arguments, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said that after deciding the allegations of ICT, the features of the allegations would be assessed during the formal test. Hussain told reporters, “I sought discharge from all the allegations … as they appear politically inspired,” Hussain told reporters, she has not been able to contact Hasina directly.