Sheikh Hasina needs more proper defence: Lawyer Z I Panna

Z I Panna, the lawyer newly appointed to represent Sheikh Hasina in a case over alleged abductions and killings, said the former prime minister needs a more proper defence.

Speaking after his appointment on Sunday, November 23, Panna told reporters, “I am a freedom fighter. I fought in 1971 under the leadership of Bangabandhu against the Pakistani invaders.

“I feel Sheikh Hasina, his daughter, needs a more proper defence.”

On Sunday afternoon, the three-member bench of International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Judge Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, appointed Z I Panna as defence counsel in Sheikh Hasina’s abduction and murder cases.

The tribunal has set dates for hearings on charges of abduction and torture allegedly committed during Sheikh Hasina’s rule; the indictment hearings for the two cases are scheduled for December 3 and December 7 respectively.