Dhaka, Nov 21 (V7N) – Prominent lawyer ZI Khan Panna has expressed his willingness to represent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a genocide case if given the opportunity. The case, filed in connection with incidents during July-August, has become a contentious issue following Sheikh Hasina's reported flight to India.

During a press briefing on Thursday (November 21), Panna stated, “If given the opportunity, I will stand for Sheikh Hasina.” His remarks came in response to a question about the suspension of bail for former Additional Attorney General Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury, who is facing murder charges related to the same period.

The Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Syed Refat Ahmed, suspended Mehedi Hasan's bail, which had been granted earlier by the High Court. The state was represented in court by Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman and Additional Attorney General Barrister Anik R. Haque, while ZI Khan Panna defended the accused.

The High Court's decision to grant six months' bail to Mehedi Hasan on November 19 was overturned by the higher court today. Hasan, who resigned from his position as Additional Attorney General on August 8, was arrested on September 20 while allegedly attempting to flee across the border.

Speaking further, Panna highlighted the significant increase in mass-scale cases in recent times, describing the current legal landscape as unprecedented.

The case involving Sheikh Hasina and the accusations of genocide have added another layer of complexity to the political and legal challenges facing the nation. Meanwhile, the suspension of Mehedi Hasan's bail signals the judiciary's firm stance on serious allegations tied to the July-August incidents.

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