Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has stated that it was legal to remove Sheikh Hasina from power and denied any conspiracy behind it. He claimed that Sheikh Hasina carried out killings by firing guns during the July-August movement. He said it was legitimate to declare a one-point program against Sheikh Hasina and prepare to oust her, and there was no conspiracy involved.
Nahid Islam made these remarks on Sunday after giving testimony and being cross-examined at the International Crimes Tribunal premises in a case related to crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. Earlier that morning, he was examined as the 47th witness by the state-appointed lawyer Md. Amir Hossain, representing the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
Nahid Islam, one of the leaders of the July movement, said that the Awami League should be banned. He added that the International Crimes Tribunal has the opportunity to do so and that they would apply for it. Justice must be served in order to decide the fate of the party. The government’s executive order banning the Awami League temporarily is not a permanent solution because their political activities have only been temporarily suspended. Therefore, the party should be banned through judicial process because temporary decisions cannot control the Awami League. He also said that the fascist collaborators must also face justice.
He further stated that sufficient evidence has now been submitted to the tribunal. They will apply to the tribunal because Sheikh Hasina, as the party leader, took a ruthless decision to kill people in order to maintain absolute political power. In this case, Sheikh Hasina is being prosecuted as an individual. He believes it is not only an individual crime but a political crime. Therefore, the people resisted and ousted her. Hence, the Awami League and its collaborators should be permanently banned through the judicial process. He also remarked that the crimes of July-August will remain written in the history of the world.
Regarding allegations that the July-August movement was instigated by domestic and foreign forces, Nahid Islam said Sheikh Hasina launched a killing spree by firing guns during the movement. The declaration against Sheikh Hasina and preparation to oust her were legitimate; there was no conspiracy. It was a spontaneous people’s uprising with no foreign or domestic instigation. The people came out to the streets voluntarily and successfully resisted with their lives. Sheikh Hasina and others fled the country fearing justice.
The testimony and cross-examination of Nahid Islam, the 47th witness in the case against the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others for crimes against humanity during the July uprising, concluded on Sunday. The other two accused in this case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Police Inspector General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Abdullah Al-Mamun admitted guilt and became a prosecution witness in this case. He was present at the tribunal on Sunday. The tribunal-1, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, conducted the cross-examination by the state-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain.
In response to questioning, Nahid said there was no domestic or foreign involvement behind the proposal to make Dr. Muhammad Yunus the interim government chief. When asked by the lawyer whether domestic or foreign forces instigated the proposal to make Dr. Yunus the interim government chief, Nahid Islam denied this.
He also denied that the one-point program to overthrow the government on August 3 was the result of a long-term plan or that foreign or domestic forces were involved. The prosecution objected, stating that government change on August 5 is a matter of state legitimacy, approved by the appellate division, and is irrelevant to the trial of crimes against humanity. The tribunal allowed this to be noted. Sheikh Hasina’s lawyer said it was inappropriate to involve Dr. Yunus in the discussion but commented only because of the witness’s statement.
During cross-examination, Amir Hossain claimed Sheikh Hasina did not resign on August 5 last year but was forced to leave for India. Nahid Islam denied both statements, saying it is not true that Sheikh Hasina did not resign on August 5 or that she was not forced to leave for India.
Amir Hossain defended Sheikh Hasina and Kamal, stating they did not order the use of helicopters or lethal weapons to suppress the movement. They made their best efforts to protect people’s lives and maintain law and order. Therefore, these accused are not responsible for the crimes. Nahid Islam denied these claims during cross-examination.
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