Defendants Can Hire Foreign Lawyers: Tajul Islam

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal, Tajul Islam, stated that the defendants in the genocide case, including Sheikh Hasina, are permitted to hire foreign lawyers if they wish. He made this remark while addressing reporters at the tribunal on Monday (September 9).

Tajul Islam clarified that the prosecution team has no objections to the involvement of foreign legal counsel and will support any measures necessary for justice.

Additionally, the chief prosecutor mentioned that the tribunal's investigation agency has initiated efforts to collect information on the victims of attacks on student protesters during recent unrest. He revealed plans to send letters to Deputy Commissioners and those in charge of hospitals and cemeteries across the country, requesting details about the shootings, deaths, and injuries involving the students.

The injured protestors have been examined at Dhaka Medical College, with their families demanding swift justice. Tajul assured that the trial process will be expedited.

This follows the appointment of four prosecutors, including Tajul Islam, to the tribunal on September 7, with official duties commencing on August 8.

The anti-discrimination student movement, which began in July, called for quota reforms. The protests were met with violent attacks by Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League supporters. The violence escalated into mass killings, with over 600 protestors reportedly shot by party leaders and law enforcement under the previous government. On August 5, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country amid the crisis.