The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Thursday appointed amicus curiae over hearing on a contempt of court allegation brought against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leader Shakil Akand Bulbul.
The three-member ICT-1 led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza passed the order, appointing Senior Jurist AY Moshiuzzaman amicus curiae in the case, confirmed prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim.
It also appointed Advocate Aminul Gani Tipu state defence counsel, he added.
The court adjourned the hearing till Wednesday.
"As both accused remained absent in spite of publishing notice in newspapers for their appearance, the court today (Thursday) appointed an amicus curiae for the sake of transparency of the trial," Tamim added.
The prosecution filed a complaint against the two over a telephonic conversation involving the former prime minister, in which she was heard saying that she had received a license to kill 227 people.
The tribunal, upon accepting the complaint, directed both individuals to submit written explanations by May 15.
As they failed to comply, the tribunal summoned them to appear in person on May 25.
However, when they did not appear on that date either, the tribunal ordered notices to be published in two national dailies—Jugantor and New Age—instructing Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Akand Bulbul to appear before it on June 3.
The notices, published on May 26, summoned the former prime minister and Bulbul to provide explanations in connection with a contempt of court petition filed against them by the tribunal’s prosecution.
