No legal bar to broadcasting Sheikh Hasina's remarks unless those are hateful: Chief prosecutor

There is no legal restriction on broadcasting statements by ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, provided they are not hateful and do not undermine the dignity of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam has said.

He made the remarks on Tuesday (4 August) while responding to questions from journalists during a media briefing at the tribunal.

The Chief Prosecutor said the court's restriction applies only to statements that are hateful in nature or are likely to damage the reputation of the tribunal. If a statement does not contain such elements, there is no legal obstacle to its publication or broadcast.

Asked about Sheikh Hasina's anticipated remarks, he said, "Let's wait until tomorrow between 6:00pm and 7:00pm. We'll see whether she actually delivers a statement or whether it's all just empty noise."

He reiterated that legal restrictions apply only to statements deemed hateful or capable of undermining the tribunal's reputation. Beyond those circumstances, there is no legal bar to media outlets publishing or broadcasting Sheikh Hasina's statements, he added.