Z I Khan Panna to represent Inu in Kushtia killings case

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna will represent former Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu in the crimes against humanity case over the killing of seven people during last year’s July Uprising in Kushtia.

Panna confirmed his role on Sunday while speaking to journalists outside the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), after meeting Inu and submitting a vakalatnama to formally act on his behalf.

Speaking to the media, Panna criticised the state apparatus, saying it is not functioning properly and that the judiciary is “not free from deviation.” He added that in a climate dominated by mob culture, fairness has been undermined—a situation the state is reportedly taking advantage of.

While affirming his commitment to defend Inu, Panna stressed that those involved in the killings must be held accountable. He also reiterated his moral opposition to the death penalty.

The ICT had earlier accepted formal charges against Inu in connection with the Kushtia killings and has scheduled a hearing on 29 September to frame the charges. On 25 September, a three-member bench led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury formally accepted the charges against the former minister.