The prosecution lodged a contempt of court petition at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 against Advocate Fazlur Rahman, an advisor to the BNP chairperson, for his alleged “disrespectful remarks.” The petition accused Fazlur of committing contempt by disputing the tribunal’s authority, suggesting internal bias affecting the court’s impartiality, and making derogatory statements about the prosecution.
During the proceedings, prosecutors presented a video excerpt from Channel 24’s talk show “Muktobak: Rajnitir Torko-Bitorko,” where Fazlur expressed, “I reject this court and its decisions… I repeat this daily.” Furthermore, Fazlur claimed in the program that everyone within the prosecution has ties to Shibir.
Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim informed the tribunal that Fazlur’s comments showed a lack of understanding of tribunal regulations. It was revealed that Fazlur holds positions as a BNP political advisor, a candidate for party nominations, and a Supreme Court attorney. Additionally, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam mentioned that the BNP had previously suspended Fazlur for remarks related to the July Uprising.
Tamim highlighted Fazlur’s statement rejecting the tribunal on the basis that it was established to try Razakars from 1971. In response, Judge Md Mohitul Hoque Anam Chowdhury clarified that the tribunal act was enacted in 1973 and has jurisdiction over crimes against humanity both before and after that year. The court emphasized the prosecution’s integral role within the tribunal.
After evaluating the video evidence, the tribunal considered the allegations against Fazlur as severe and scheduled a hearing for November 30 to address the issue.