The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has removed state-appointed counsel Aminul Ghani Titto from representing Sheikh Hasina in a contempt of court case, replacing him with Amir Hossain, a lawyer aligned with the Awami League.
The decision came on Wednesday following questions over Titto's perceived opposition to Hasina, by a three-member bench of the tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar.
He was present in court during the announcement.
That morning, Titto had appeared before the tribunal intending to represent Hasina in the contempt of court case.
Although he expressed his willingness to defend Hasina, he was removed from the case.
Standing before the court, Titto stated that he was prepared to defend his client.
At that point, the tribunal said: “We have already received some negative information. Do you still wish to proceed?”
Titto responded by saying that he would defend his client and maintained that he remained professionally neutral.
The tribunal then remarked: “At one point, you made negative comments on social media about the accused, Hasina. This raises doubts about whether you can truly defend her impartially.”
In response, the lawyer said: “I was appointed by the tribunal. I am an honest lawyer. I deserve a chance to prove myself.”
The tribunal replied: “To us, the matter of justice is paramount. From an ethical standpoint, you should not be involved in this case. We are aware of your background. You may be needed in the future.”
Earlier, in the contempt case involving Hasina—who had fled during a mass uprising—and Gobindaganj’s Shakil Akand Bulbul alias Md Shakil Alam of Gaibandha, the tribunal had appointed advocate Titto as state counsel.
The appointment drew criticism from several quarters, as he had posted on Facebook demanding Sheikh Hasina’s execution following her ouster on August 5.
