Trial Against Sheikh Hasina: 101 Engineers Strongly Condemn
A total of 101 engineers residing in Bangladesh and abroad have strongly condemned and protested the ongoing trial process against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal, describing it as “farcical” and “illegal.” In a joint statement issued yesterday, they claimed that such a trial against the head of an elected government is “in violation of the Constitution, the law, and international human rights standards.”
The statement said that the continuous infrastructural development achieved under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership is being deliberately disrupted and destroyed through the organization of “this farcical trial.” The engineers noted that as frontline workers involved in development implementation, they cannot remain silent in such circumstances.
The engineers alleged that the authorities who seized power bypassing Parliament issued an ordinance amending the jurisdiction of the “Yunus International Crimes Tribunal,” which is completely illegal and outside legal authority. They asserted that “in such an illegal court, no trial against the Prime Minister, the government, or any party leader can proceed.”
The statement noted that Steven Powles KC and Tatiana Eatwell, renowned lawyers of London-based Doughty Street Chambers in the United Kingdom, highlighted serious concerns over irregularities and possible legal violations in the trial process in an urgent submission to the United Nations.
Three major concerns were outlined:
- Conducting the trial in the absence of the accused and the risk of a possible death sentence
- Allegations of political affiliation involving judges and prosecutors
Fears of electoral or selective justice
The statement read, “All activities of the court formed by the illegal ordinance of the illegal government must be stopped immediately.” The engineers claimed that international human rights are being violated at every step of the trial process. Due to lack of transparency and accountability, they “reject the entire trial process with disgust.”
They further stated, “Whatever verdict this so-called court gives, engineers do not accept and will not accept the judgment of a kangaroo court.”
