ICT turns down Panna’s plea to represent Hasina in Court

The judge advises him to submit his portfolio, which may be considered later if the opportunity comes

The International Crimes Tribunal has rejected senior lawyer ZI Khan Panna’s request to represent deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a crimes against humanity case.

On Tuesday, lawyer Naznin Nahar submitted the application to ICT-1 on behalf of Panna. When the proceedings began, Naznin told the court that Panna sought permission to appear for Hasina.

In response, the judge said the state had already appointed counsel for absconding defendants, leaving no scope for such a change.

“Once the train has left the station, you can’t board it anymore,” they said.

The judge, however, added that Panna could still submit his portfolio, which might be considered later if an opportunity arose.

On Jun 25, the tribunal appointed lawyer Amir Hossain, former special public prosecutor of Dhaka’s Special Judge’s Court, as state counsel for Hasina. He has since represented her in several hearings.

The tribunal has begun hearing cases against Hasina, filed over various allegations, including killings during the July Uprising. Proceedings are being held in her absence, as she has been in India since the fall of the Awami League government.