From my heart, I want Hasina acquitted: Defence lawyer Amir

The verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be delivered today. Responding to journalists’ questions on the premises of the International Crimes Tribunal, state-appointed defence lawyer for Sheikh Hasina, Md Amir Hossain, said, “The trial at the tribunal has been conducted properly; we have refuted every allegation brought against the accused. The proceedings have been transparent. In this situation, if the tribunal acquits Sheikh Hasina, it will be justified and I will be the happiest.”

He said, “I want my client to be acquitted. This desire is entirely natural. Anyone in my position would want the same.”

When asked whether he had attempted to communicate with Sheikh Hasina in any way, he replied, “I did not attempt to. There is no provision allowing such an attempt. They also did not try to contact me, nor did they provide any form of assistance. Even if there had been some implicit support, it would have benefitted me — but nobody did anything. There is no legal provision either. I always hope my client Sheikh Hasina will be acquitted. That is my hope, my expectation. It is natural, I must have expectations. I am saying this from the heart. I have handled this case for so many months for one person; if she is acquitted, who would be happier than me?”