Dhaka, June 25 (V7N) – The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has removed Aminul Gani Titu, the state-appointed lawyer for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following controversy over his appearance in a contempt of court case.

The decision was made on Wednesday by a three-member tribunal bench led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder. Amir Hossain has been appointed as the new state defense counsel in place of Titu.

Titu had appeared before the tribunal on behalf of Sheikh Hasina in a contempt case filed over her alleged statement: “I got a license to kill 227 people in 227 cases.” The statement was reportedly made in a telephone conversation with a local Awami League leader from Gaibandha. The tribunal viewed the remark as a serious affront to the dignity of the court and initiated contempt proceedings.

Despite no legal obligation for the government to appoint a lawyer in such cases, the tribunal had previously assigned Titu in the interest of justice. However, his appointment became the subject of public and legal debate, prompting the court to remove him.

Meanwhile, the hearing of the contempt of court case against Sheikh Hasina and two others is scheduled for today. The proceedings are being overseen by the same three-member tribunal headed by Justice Mortuza Majumder.

In an effort to ensure transparency, the tribunal earlier appointed Supreme Court senior lawyer AY Moshiuzzaman as amicus curiae, or legal advisor to the court.

The prosecution has noted that despite serving notices through newspapers, Sheikh Hasina has neither appeared before the tribunal nor submitted any formal explanation via her counsel. Legal experts say the tribunal now has the authority to proceed and deliver a verdict in absentia under applicable laws.

The case continues to draw significant attention amid rising concerns about freedom of speech and the sanctity of judicial institutions in Bangladesh.

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