'Domestic, foreign forces involved in last year uprising against Hasina': Ex-Bangladesh PM's lawyer

By Ahsan Tasnim

DHAKA: "Domestic and foreign forces" were involved in the last year uprising against former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, and with their backing, Muhammad Yunus was offered the post of interim govt chief, her lawyer claimed in the International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday, as it tries her in cases of "crimes against humanity".

Hasina did not resign from office but was compelled to "leave for India" last year following the mass uprising against her govt, said state-appointed defence counsel Md Amir Hossain, who is also representing former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. He made the claims during cross-examination of National Citizen Party convenor Nahid Islam, a key leader of the uprising. Nahid appeared as the 47th witness in the ongoing case.

Hossain said, "We do not intend to involve Muhammad Yunus unnecessarily, but this point was raised only in reaction to witness statements."

"Hasina never ordered use of helicopters or lethal weapons to suppress the movement. On the contrary, she did everything possible to protect lives, safeguard property, and maintain law and order," he said, adding, "No crimes against humanity were committed during July-Aug 2024. The accused are not guilty."