Dhaka, Oct 22 (V7N) – In the ongoing trial concerning crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 uprising, State Defense lawyer Amir Hossain, representing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, stated that former Police Inspector General (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun has attempted to survive by placing the blame on others.
 
Speaking at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Wednesday, presided over by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, Amir Hossain said that Mamun admitted his crimes in court while trying to protect himself. “He is attempting to secure his own safety by shifting responsibility onto others,” he remarked.
 
During three days of argument, the defense claimed innocence for their clients. Addressing statements made by witnesses, Amir Hossain noted that while Mamun implicated others, no witness accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of personally committing killings. “Almost all witnesses have blamed Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Kamal, Obaidul Quader, and ex-IGP Mamun for mass killings, but none said the Prime Minister directly fired any shots,” he added.
 
The tribunal responded that witnesses may not have full knowledge of the events and advised the defense to provide evidence showing whether the Prime Minister tried to shield the shooters or took action against them. Amir Hossain countered by claiming that the video and audio evidence presented in court had been AI-generated.
 
He also dismissed testimony by Mahmudur Rahman, editor of My Country, citing personal grievances and imprisonment at the time of the uprising as reasons for unreliability. Regarding NCP Convenor Nahid Islam’s testimony, Amir Hossain said he disagreed with claims linking him to attempts to remove the government, stating that local and foreign forces were involved in the uprising’s planning.
 
Prosecutor Mizanul Islam indicated that the closing arguments for the trial could conclude on Thursday. He added that Attorney General and Chief Prosecutor will present their final statements before a date for the formal verdict is set.
 
The trial concerns Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and three others in connection with atrocities during the July 2024 uprising and crimes against humanity.
 
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