Chief Prosecutor Warns Defence Lawyer Amid Heated ICT-1 Clash

A tense confrontation unfolded at International Crimes Tribunal-1 yesterday as Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam warned defence lawyer Nazneen Nahar, representing Maj Gen (retd) Ziaul Ahsan, that she could also face charges.

During the hearing, Tajul told Nazneen, “You stay silent. Do not talk. You can also be an accused. We are receiving allegations against you from multiple sources.”

The warning came after Nazneen raised concerns about being barred from attending her client’s interrogation at a safe house, despite legal provisions allowing lawyers to be present. “I was not informed and was denied entry,” she told the tribunal.

Tribunal Chair Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder reminded Tajul that Nazneen was appearing as a legal representative. Tajul, however, accused Ziaul — who faces enforced disappearance charges — of involvement in “the killings of around 1,000 people” and alleged he “dumped bodies in the Buriganga after cutting open their abdomens.”

Nazneen countered with several allegations, claiming the interrogation was “illegally” video-recorded and that she was only allowed in during lunch breaks, being excluded for the rest of the questioning. She also accused Nabila Idris of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CIED) of threatening Ziaul by saying, “If you do not answer, your daughter will become an orphan,” despite the ICT Act not authorizing such questioning.

Tajul rejected the claims as “blatant lies” and defended the presence of Nabila, citing legal authority for the fact-finding team and the need for video recording to prevent false maltreatment claims.

Nazneen filed a petition seeking clear instructions that she must be informed and allowed to attend future interrogations. Tajul urged the tribunal to reject it, claiming she was related to Ziaul and “creating problems,” and warned that the prosecution would appeal to block her representation.

Earlier, Nazneen requested permission to obtain Ziaul’s signature for appointing a foreign lawyer, which Tajul opposed, saying Bar Council approval is required. When Nazneen protested being denied access, Tajul accused her of offensive behaviour. Justice Mortuza intervened, telling both parties to remain calm and follow legal procedures.

The tribunal allowed the process to continue under legal norms. Nazneen also sought call records and SMS logs from two of Ziaul’s phone numbers, which the prosecution opposed, warning that releasing such information now could compromise the ongoing investigation. The tribunal advised the defence to file such petitions after charges are formally framed.