Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has said that the Awami League should be brought to trial as a political party for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising.
His remarks came after completing cross-examination as the 47th prosecution witness in the ongoing war crimes case against fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two other high-profile accused.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday (September 21) following his testimony at International Crimes Tribunal-1, Nahid said, “My testimony and cross-examination have formally concluded today. I have asked the tribunal for justice. What occurred was undeniably a crime against humanity — not only in Bangladesh’s history, but globally.”
He emphasized that while Sheikh Hasina is being tried individually, the nature of the alleged crimes transcends personal accountability.
“This is not just an individual crime — it is political in nature. Therefore, the Awami League, as a political entity, should also be held accountable. The tribunal has the authority to consider such a course. We will petition for it,” he added.
Nahid accused the former Prime Minister, in her capacity as party chief, of orchestrating violence against the public in an effort to cling to power. “She ordered violence against her own people. The public resisted and ousted her. That makes it a political crime committed by the party itself,” he said.
Dismissing allegations of foreign interference in the July-August movement, Nahid stated, “There was no conspiracy. The people spontaneously rose up, took to the streets, sacrificed their lives, and ultimately succeeded. It was a legitimate uprising. Claims of foreign influence are unfounded.”
He further claimed that Sheikh Hasina and other accused fled the country out of fear of facing justice.
Prosecutor Abdus Sattar Palowan told reporters that Nahid Islam, who led student and public mobilization during the July uprising, concluded his testimony on the third day of proceedings. Nahid had previously given statements on Wednesday and Thursday, and was cross-examined starting Thursday.
Apart from Sheikh Hasina, the other accused in the case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
On July 10, the tribunal formally framed charges against the three. The tribunal also approved a plea by former IGP Mamun to testify as an approver (state witness) in the case.
SMS/
