Sheikh Hasina did not resign on August 5, claims defence lawyer

State-appointed lawyer Md. Amir Hossain, defending Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, claimed on Sunday (September 21) at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 that Sheikh Hasina did not resign on August 5 last year amid a popular uprising but was forced to leave for India.

The statement was made during the interrogation of National Citizens Party convener Nahid Islam, the 47th witness against Sheikh Hasina and three others in a case related to alleged crimes against humanity during July-August 2024.

Amir Hossain rejected Nahid Islam’s deposition, asserting that the call for the government’s fall on August 3, 2024, was part of a long-term plan driven by domestic and foreign forces, with Dr. Muhammad Yunus reportedly offered leadership of the interim government.

However, the prosecution objected to these statements as irrelevant to the case.

Amir Hossain further argued that Sheikh Hasina did not order the use of helicopters or lethal force to suppress the movement.

He also claimed that no crimes against humanity were committed by them.

Nahid Islam refuted these claims, stating he learned about the widespread violence and torture on August 5 from coordinators Hasnat and Sarjis.