Fazlur Rahman, senior lawyer and adviser to the BNP Chairperson, has been summoned to appear before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) to respond to allegations of contempt of court. He is required to appear in person on 8 December, according to the order issued by Tribunal-1 following a hearing on Sunday.
The contempt proceedings stem from controversial comments Fazlur Rahman made during a televised talk show regarding the death sentence of Sheikh Hasina. According to the prosecution, his remarks questioned the tribunal’s legitimacy and fairness, prompting formal action.
Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim filed charges against Fazlur Rahman on Wednesday last week. The allegation specifically cites statements in which he asserted that a fair trial was not possible due to the court’s formation and added, “I do not recognise this tribunal’s judgment.”
The tribunal emphasised that contempt against the court, considered an organ of the state, amounts to sedition, highlighting the seriousness of the matter.
In response to his remarks, the BNP suspended all of Fazlur Rahman’s party positions for three months on 26 August, citing a breach of party discipline. Despite the suspension, he was provisionally nominated as the party candidate for the Kishoreganj-4 constituency, a decision that drew significant public attention.
A summary of key details is provided below:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Individual | Fazlur Rahman |
| Roles | BNP Chairperson’s adviser; senior lawyer |
| Allegation | Contempt of court, sedition |
| Tribunal | International Crimes Tribunal-1 |
| Scheduled appearance | 8 December |
| Comments | Claimed fair trial impossible; did not recognise tribunal’s judgment |
| Party action | BNP suspended all positions for 3 months (26 August) |
| Nomination | Provisionally nominated for Kishoreganj-4 |
The case has drawn national attention, raising debates about freedom of speech, accountability, and the authority of judicial institutions in politically sensitive matters. Legal analysts note that while individuals are entitled to opinions, statements that challenge the legitimacy of judicial verdicts can carry serious legal consequences, particularly under sedition and contempt laws.
The tribunal has made it clear that non-compliance with the summons or failure to appear could result in further legal action. Fazlur Rahman’s appearance is therefore being closely monitored, with observers noting its potential impact on both his legal standing and political career.
TSN