A group of 101 engineers aligned with the spirit of Bangladesh’s Liberation War have strongly condemned the ongoing trial of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal, terming the process “a mockery of justice.”
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the engineers said the trial is being used as a political weapon to obstruct Bangladesh’s infrastructure development under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. They claimed that the proceedings were part of a “calculated attempt to weaken the foundation of the country’s progress.”
The statement also alleges that Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, who they describe as having assumed power illegally by bypassing parliament, has amended the tribunal’s jurisdiction through an “unlawful ordinance.” According to the engineers, such an amendment is “entirely unconstitutional and beyond legal authority,” and therefore “no member of Sheikh Hasina’s government can be lawfully tried in such a court.”
London-based legal experts Steven Powles KC and Tatiana Eatwell submitted an urgent petition to the United Nations, raising pressing legal concerns about the trial. They cited three major issues:
1. The risk of a death sentence being handed down in the absence of the accused.
2. Allegations of political links between judges and prosecutors.
3. Fears of a politically motivated and biased process.
The engineers argue that every stage of the trial violates international human rights standards and lacks transparency and accountability.
“We reject this trial with absolute disgust,” the statement reads. “Whatever verdict is issued, we do not—and will not—accept the ruling of a kangaroo court.”
The statement was signed by 101 engineers based in Bangladesh and abroad.
