Recurrence of 15 years of misrule must be prevented: Mahmudur Rahman

Mahmudur Rahman, Editor of the daily Amar Desh, has stated in his testimony before the International Crimes Tribunal that, “Through the trial of genocide, it must be ensured that the 15 years of misrule in Bangladesh are never repeated.”

He made these remarks on Tuesday (September 16) during the second day of his testimony in the murder case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, before the three-member judicial panel of Tribunal-1, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder.

The other members of the tribunal are Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

In the concluding part of his deposition, Mahmudur Rahman said, “As a journalist, writer, and researcher of history, I have witnessed over the past 16 years the rise, consolidation, and fall of this fascist regime. I have continuously tried to inform the public through writing and by speaking at meetings and gatherings. I want the criminals to be punished. If justice is established, the grief of about 1,400 martyred families and 20,000 injured families will be alleviated to some extent.”

He further said, “If justice against fascist rule can be ensured, future governments will also be cautious. Just as after the second world war, Hitler was denounced with the words ‘Never Again,’ we too want to ensure through this trial that fascist rule is never repeated in Bangladesh. It must be ensured that the 15 years of misrule never return.”

After the testimony, he was cross-examined by state-appointed defence lawyer Md Amir Hossain on behalf of Sheikh Hasina.

Meanwhile, Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), also appeared before the tribunal today to testify in the case against Sheikh Hasina. However, as the cross-examination of Mahmudur Rahman by the state defence lawyer was not completed, his deposition was not recorded.

Earlier in the day, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, one of the accused turned approver in the case, was produced before the tribunal from prison. The 16th day of testimony continued in his presence.

On Monday (September 15), testimony in the case proceeded for the 15th day from 11:20am until the afternoon. On that day, the deposition of Mahmudur Rahman as the 46th witness could not be concluded, and was adjourned until today. On September 9, the 14th day, six witnesses testified. So far, the tribunal has recorded testimony from 46 witnesses. On September 8, three others deposed.