“Tribunal eyes Awami League’s return to power post-election.”

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) has postponed the hearing on the framing of charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and former ICT State Minister, Junaid Ahmed Palak, in a high-profile case concerning alleged crimes against humanity. The suspension of proceedings has been set until Thursday, following a request from the defence.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam alleged that the defence is deliberately attempting to delay the judicial process. “The accused are strategically slowing down proceedings, anticipating that an upcoming election might disrupt the course of justice,” he said.

During the hearing, Tribunal Judge Shafiul Alam Mahmud firmly warned against introducing political conjecture into the proceedings. “Do not presume that the Awami League will return to power following the elections. Such assumptions are not admissible as part of the hearing process,” he remarked, emphasising that electoral considerations must not influence the tribunal’s timeline.

The defence had submitted a prima facie request to commence the trial, citing the complexity of the formal charges. Liton Ahmed, the lawyer representing Junaid Ahmed Palak, noted that when attempting to meet his client in prison, he was not allowed to carry a laptop or a pendrive. He added, “Several of the ten video footages listed as evidence could not be accessed. Therefore, we request the hearing to be deferred to next Sunday, 17 January.”

A three-judge bench, led by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mozumder, granted the postponement. The tribunal assured that, in response to the defence’s request, proceedings on the framing of charges would remain suspended until Thursday.

The chief prosecutor highlighted the defence’s strategy, stating that “the accused appear to believe that the election may hinder judicial progress, prompting them to intentionally slow the proceedings.” Meanwhile, the defence argued that the voluminous formal charges require time to read and comprehend. Considering these factors, the court opted to grant the adjournment.

Key details of the case are summarised in the table below:

Through this ruling, the tribunal has underscored that political conjecture or election-related commentary has no place in judicial proceedings. The decision highlights the tribunal’s commitment to maintaining a fair, impartial, and undisturbed judicial process, ensuring that justice proceeds solely based on evidence and legal merits.