Awami League Alleges Abdulla Al Mamun was coerced to testify against Sheikh Hasina in ICT trial
Agartala, July 11 (Northeast Press):
Bangladesh’s political landscape was shaken on Thursday after former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun appeared before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-1) and agreed to become a state witness in the ongoing case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, raising strong objections from the ruling Awami League party.
The Awami League, which has strongly condemned the move, alleged that Abdullah Al Mamun was “forcibly coerced” into becoming a state approver in what it called a “fabricated and politically motivated case” related to the July–August 2024 mass uprising. The party’s official statement described the tribunal proceedings as “false, farcical, and designed to target the daughter of Bangabandhu”—referring to Hasina, who was officially indicted in a case of crimes against humanity on July 10.
Tribunal Indicts Hasina, Former Ministers in Uprising Case
A three-judge panel led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder at the ICT formally indicted Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun on five separate counts linked to their alleged role in the state crackdown during the mass protests last year.
In a surprising turn, Abdullah Al Mamun admitted to his participation in the violent crackdown and voluntarily requested to testify as a state witness. According to tribunal records, the former police chief admitted to all five allegations and expressed a willingness to disclose “all secrets” related to the incident, including internal directives and operations.
However, the Awami League contends that this testimony is not voluntary.
Allegations of Coercion and Political Vendetta
The Awami League has publicly accused the current administration—referred to in its statement as the “illegal interim regime of Yunus”—of using “inhuman torture, threats, and political pressure” to compel Mamun’s testimony. The party claims this is part of a broader agenda to eliminate political opponents and tarnish the legacy of Sheikh Hasina’s government, which had earlier led successful trials against the 1971 war criminals.
“This is a politically orchestrated move to target Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by misusing judicial institutions. The so-called state witness is a product of coercion, not conscience,”
the party said in a press release.
It further stated that the ICT tribunal is operating without legitimacy or transparency, and termed the current judicial process a “vengeful witch-hunt orchestrated by the occupying fascist regime.”
Concerns Over Evidence and Legal Procedure
Highlighting the absence of substantive evidence in the case, the Awami League said that the tribunal’s reliance on forced testimony is a clear indicator of a lack of factual or documentary proof.
“When the prosecution failed to present credible evidence after months of investigation, they resorted to manipulating a co-accused into turning approver. This is a textbook example of state misuse of judicial tools for political gain,”
the statement added.
Legal experts and civil society members have also expressed concern about the integrity of the tribunal and the fairness of the proceedings, especially in light of the political implications.
Background: Mass Uprising and Aftermath
The case stems from last year’s July–August 2024 mass uprising, which witnessed large-scale protests against inflation, power shortages, and alleged human rights abuses. The government response, critics say, led to hundreds of deaths and widespread violence. While the former Hasina administration has denied ordering any violent crackdown, the current tribunal seeks to hold top officials accountable.
The ICT has charged the accused with crimes against humanity, including unlawful killings, abductions, and torture. The Awami League, however, insists the trial is part of a political vendetta and not a genuine pursuit of justice.
Awami League Vows to Resist “Judicial Misuse”
Concluding its statement, the Awami League reaffirmed its full support for Sheikh Hasina, declaring her innocent and “a victim of political revenge.” The party called upon international human rights organizations, legal watchdogs, and democratic nations to monitor the developments in Bangladesh and ensure due process is followed.
“This farcical trial is an insult to justice. The people of Bangladesh and the world must see this for what it truly is—a politically motivated attempt to silence democratic voices and undermine decades of progress under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership,”
the party said.
As the legal battle intensifies, Bangladesh’s political climate continues to remain tense, with growing concerns over the impartiality of legal proceedings and the broader implications for the country’s democratic future.
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