Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has criticised former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, questioning whether she feels any guilt.
“She mocked the painful memories of the people. She even claimed that Abu Sayeed's death scene was fabricated using AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Mughdo was shot by students. How can such statements be tolerated?” he said.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday, he accused her of arrogance and provocation in her last address.
He further accused Hasina and her supporters of spreading lies and engaging in conspiracies. “A section of her forces blindly follow her and continue to make provocative and offensive statements,” he added.
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Regarding the ongoing security operations, he stated that intelligence reports suggest Awami League workers are involved in further conspiratorial activities, which is why 'Operation Devil Hunt' is being conducted.
Timeframe for justice
Asif Nazrul also provided an update on the trial proceedings of the July murder cases, saying that verdicts in at least three to four cases are expected by October.
He confirmed that deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, along with top Awami League leaders, police officials, and members of the administration, are among the accused.
Addressing public concerns over the pace of the trials, he assured that significant progress has been made following amendments to the International Tribunal Act and the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal.
“This court has been fully operational for four months. During this time, over 300 complaints have been filed, and our prosecution team has formally filed 16 cases after review,” he mentioned.
He further mentioned that investigations into four of these cases are expected to be completed within the month, after which chargesheets will be submitted to initiate the trial process.
“As the court is conducting hearings continuously, we expect verdicts in these cases within the next four to six months, starting from April,” he added.
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Nazrul highlighted the efficiency of the current trial process, contrasting it with previous trials under Sheikh Hasina’s government. “During her tenure, it took at least two and a half years to complete the trial of a Jamaat-e-Islami or BNP leader in the International Criminal Court. In contrast, we are taking less than half that time,” he claimed.
Additionally, he mentioned that the UN investigation team’s report is expected within a few days. “I will not make any official comments on the report at this moment. However, it will contribute significantly to ensuring transparency and acceptance of our investigation and trial proceedings,” he added.