Both Hasina and Sheikh Mujib harbored anti-military sentiments: Mahmudur Rahman

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the daily Amar Desh, has claimed that both Sheikh Hasina and her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, harbored anti-military sentiments. He made the statement on Monday while testifying at the International Crimes Tribunal in connection with a case involving crimes against humanity allegedly committed during July and August.

“Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was anti-military by family background. Both she and her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, held deep-rooted resentment towards the military,” Rahman told the court.

Referring to the 2009 BDR mutiny at Pilkhana, he said, “Following the brutal massacre of patriotic army officers, Sheikh Hasina moved to take control of the judiciary. As part of that move, she evicted former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia from her residence and initiated steps to abolish the caretaker government system.”

Rahman is the 46th witness to testify in the high-profile case filed against Sheikh Hasina and two others. He gave his testimony before a three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar.

Also scheduled to testify on the same day was Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), who is also listed as a witness in the case.

Rahman and Islam were originally slated to appear before the tribunal on Wednesday, September 10, to provide contextual testimony on the historical background of the case. However, due to personal reasons, both requested a deferral, which was subsequently granted by the tribunal.

Earlier, on September 9—the 14th day of proceedings—six witnesses gave their statements. With Rahman’s appearance, the tribunal has now heard testimony from a total of 46 witnesses.