AB Party GS Fuad seeks month-long extension to explain derogatory remarks about ICT proceedings

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday granted additional time to Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad to explain his derogatory remarks about the tribunal's judicial proceedings after he failed to appear in court due to dengue fever.

A two-member judicial panel of ICT-1, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder and comprising Judge Md Mohitul Haq Enam Chowdhury, passed the order, setting 23 November for the next hearing.

Fuad was scheduled to appear in person on Wednesday to submit a written explanation in response to a contempt of court notice.

However, his counsel, Barrister Zubair Ahmed Bhuiyan, filed a time petition seeking a one-month extension, informing the tribunal that Fuad had been hospitalised with dengue. The tribunal subsequently rescheduled the hearing, directing Fuad to appear on the next date and submit his explanation in accordance with the law.

Earlier, on 1 November, ICT-1 issued a suo motu contempt notice against Fuad, directing him to appear in person and explain his remarks.

According to Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim, Fuad made the controversial comments at a recent AB Party political event, questioning the tribunal's transparency and alleging that "sacks of money" and "crores of taka" were changing hands at the institution.

Taking note of the remarks, the tribunal initiated contempt proceedings, observing that the allegations undermined the dignity and image of the judiciary.