Dhaka, Nov 02 (V7N)- Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said that after the indictment, an accused has no opportunity to make any statement other than pleading guilty or innocent. As a result, the court cannot take into account any statement submitted by Hasanul Haque Inu.

He made the remarks at a briefing following the hearing at the International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday.

Tajul Islam stated that charges have been framed against Inu due to his leadership role in the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal and the 14-party alliance, including participation in meetings that planned to suppress movements, enforce curfews, and carry out shootings. Inu’s provocative statements reportedly created a notion that it was permissible to target students labeled as violent, terrorists, or Jamaat-Shibir members.

The Chief Prosecutor further said Inu had allegedly discussed and agreed to plans to attack the student population, including using drones, helicopters, and bombings, and provided advice on arrests and other measures instead of sending them to court or jail. Based on this, eight charges have been framed against him.

The testimony in this case is scheduled for November 30. Similar charges have been framed against Awami League leader Mahbubul Alam Hanif and three Kushtia Awami League leaders, with testimony set for November 25.

Regarding Inu’s statements, the Chief Prosecutor explained that under the law, once charges are framed, the accused can only state whether they are guilty or innocent. If deemed innocent, the case proceeds to trial, and innocence must be proven with evidence. There is no provision for submitting additional statements beyond this plea.

END/SMA/AJ