The International Crimes Tribunal 2 yesterday exempted freedom fighter and Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury from the contempt of court charges brought against him for criticising its judges.
The tribunal led by Justice Obaidul Hassan also asked Zafrullah to be cautious while making remarks about the judges and the judicial system of the country, and cautioned him heavily to not recur his behaviour in the future.
The judges also termed Zafrullah “extremely wrong-headed” for his June 10 remarks.
Earlier, the tribunal 1 had found Zafrullah’s comments on the trail procedure contemptuous, but later pardoned him with a serious caution.
While pronouncing the order, the tribunal chairman said: “The contemnor herein has proved himself a precarious and extremely wrong-headed person.”
Justice Obaidul said: “The court thinks that if Zafrullah is not prevented he will be continuing with his illegitimate, arrogant actions in tending to derogate the judiciary and the rule of law of the country.”
At that time, Zafrullah was in the dock, silent. He did not even speak to media after the verdict.
The Magsaysay Award winner had offered an unconditional apology before the tribunal on August 9.
After serving one-hour imprisonment in courtroom and fined Tk5,000 for criticising the conviction of Bangladesh-based UK journalist David Bergman on contempt charges, Zafrullah on June 10 told reporters: “Today’s contempt of court verdict is a proof of the mental illness of the three judges...Ensuring justice is not possible if the judges cannot take criticisms. When they cannot stand criticisms and lack rationality, they hide themselves under the cover of the law.”
Following this remarks, a petition seeking contempt proceedings was filed against the public health activist by three freedom fighters and two organisers of Gonojagoron Moncho. In response, the tribunal sought explanation from Zafrullah. He also filed a petition with the Supreme Court refusing to pay the fine imposed by the tribunal. After hearing, the apex court quashed the tribunal’s judgement as he tendered unconditional apology.
The freedom fighter gained prominence after playing a key role in formulating the Bangladesh National Drug Policy in 1982. In 1971, he was one of the organisers of the 480-bed Bangladesh Hospital for freedom fighters and the refugees during the 1971 Liberation War.