ICT orders notice in newspapers summoning Hasina in contempt case

Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Sunday ordered the publication of a notice in two national newspapers summoning deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina to appear before it within seven days to face contempt of court proceedings.

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, directed that the notice be published in one Bangla-language daily and one English-language daily to inform Hasina of the proceedings — deemed her final opportunity to respond.

The contempt charges stem from allegations that Hasina repeatedly made provocative remarks during a phone conversation with a party leader from Gaibandha, which prosecutors say amounted to obstruction of justice in the ongoing trial over the July 2024 mass uprising.

The tribunal fixed June 3 for the next hearing in the case.

The tribunal also clarified that Hasina may respond to the charges either in person or through legal counsel.

Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam argued during the hearing that while such notices are not always required, the publication was being ordered in the interest of ensuring fairness and transparency in the judicial process.

He urged the court to take action against Hasina if she fails to appear by the scheduled date.

Briefing reporters after the hearing, prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim said the tribunal issued the notice based on a contempt petition filed by the ICT’s investigation agency.

The petition accuses Hasina — who fled to India on August 5 last year amid mass protests that led to the fall of her government — of obstructing judicial proceedings and making threats through remarks delivered from abroad.

Prosecutors said the audio recording of the conversation was verified by forensic experts prior to filing the petition.