July martyrs will be unjust if Hasina is not tried: Attorney General

On the last day of arguments in the ongoing case against Sheikh Hasina and three others accused of genocide at the International Crimes Tribunal, Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman, the state's chief legal officer, said, "If the accused in this case are not tried, it will be a great injustice to the martyrs and injured of the July Movement."

While presenting the final day of arguments in court on Thursday (October 23), he said, "I believed that Sheikh Hasina would face justice. Because, she herself had said in the past - 'If you have courage, face justice.' But she could not show that courage. If she had really said those words from her heart today, she would have come to the country and participated in the trial process."

The Attorney General also said, "If the accused in this case are not convicted, the faith in justice in the lives of millions of Bangladeshis will be shattered. Our future generations will remain cowards in the dustbin of history. Therefore, we expect the maximum punishment for them."

After the Attorney General's statement, the panel of judges said, "Justice will definitely be ensured. Both sides will get a fair trial, the court guarantees that."

In this case, Sheikh Hasina has been accused of involvement in genocide, disappearances, torture and crimes against humanity committed during the July Movement. 54 witnesses have testified in the case - including family members of the martyrs, injured people, doctors and former government officials. The testimonies have revealed various descriptions of the atrocities, disappearances and political killings during the July Movement.

The state party said that the testimony, documents and evidence collected so far are sufficient to prove the crime in any court in the world. The prosecution claims that the verdict in this case will write a new chapter in the history of Bangladesh, where the victory of justice and human rights will be established.

Meanwhile, the defense argued that the case is politically motivated and there is a lack of evidence. However, the court said that it will set a date for the verdict after hearing the statements of both sides.

The case has sparked intense debate in the country's political arena and public opinion. One side believes that it is an important step on the path to justice; the other side believes that it is a political revenge tactic.

Tribunal sources said that after the conclusion of arguments, the case is now ready for the verdict. It is expected that the verdict date will be announced soon.