Ziaul Ahsan Granted Virtual Access to Tribunal Hearings From Prison
Bdbusinessdaily.com – Former National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre director general Maj Gen (retd) Ziaul Ahsan will take part in upcoming International Crimes Tribunal proceedings by audio-visual link from prison after concerns were raised about his safety during transport.
The decision applies to a crimes against humanity case involving allegations of more than 100 enforced disappearances and killings during the Awami League government. The tribunal approved a prosecution request that allows Ziaul to remain at Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj while joining hearings remotely.
International Crimes Tribunal prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim announced the outcome to journalists on 13 October. The arrangement removes the need for Ziaul to be physically transported between the Keraniganj prison and the tribunal for hearings, while preserving his ability to participate in the judicial process.
Concerns Focused on Transport Arrangements
Questions over Ziaul’s movement to court had been placed before the tribunal earlier in October. On 8 October, his lawyer, Naznin Nahar, expressed concern about the manner in which he had been brought from prison to the tribunal.
Nahar told the court that prisoners normally travelled together in the same vehicle. She said Ziaul had instead been taken separately since 16 September, a practice she described as troubling and potentially dangerous.
“Suppose eight prisoners are to arrive from Keraniganj today; seven of these eight are brought in one vehicle, and Ziaul Ahsan alone is brought in a separate vehicle,” she said.
She characterised the separate transport arrangement as a “deep conspiracy” and asked the tribunal to ensure that Ziaul travelled alongside other prisoners. At that stage, the tribunal said it would consider the application.
The concern was not limited to courtroom appearances themselves. It centred on the journey between the jail and the tribunal, including the prison van used for the transfer. Tamim said the prosecution’s position reflected fears that an untoward incident could take place while Ziaul was being transported.
Tribunal Heard Ziaul’s Own Safety Fears
Ziaul was also permitted to speak directly to the tribunal judge during a hearing to outline his concerns. He indicated that he feared an incident might be staged on the road and that responsibility could then be placed on him.
After hearing those concerns, the tribunal sought the prosecution’s view. The prosecution then proposed that Ziaul stay in custody and attend the proceedings virtually instead of being brought to the tribunal in person.
The tribunal accepted that proposal. The new arrangement is intended to address the transport-related concerns without delaying the case or preventing Ziaul from being connected to the hearings.
Remote participation can allow an accused person to hear proceedings, communicate through the court process and remain involved in a case while avoiding a physical journey that has become a point of dispute. The decision does not alter the allegations before the tribunal or determine Ziaul’s responsibility in the case.
Case Remains Before the International Crimes Tribunal
Ziaul, a former director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre, is facing proceedings connected to allegations of enforced disappearances and killings. The case concerns events alleged to have occurred during the Awami League government and involves claims relating to more than 100 people.
Crimes against humanity cases require the tribunal to balance the orderly continuation of proceedings with issues involving custody, security and the rights of those appearing before it. In this instance, the tribunal’s decision means security concerns surrounding travel will be handled through a video-based hearing process rather than through changes to the prison transport arrangement requested earlier.
The order also reflects the practical importance of transport procedures for detainees involved in high-profile legal cases. A person’s movement between prison and court can involve multiple security considerations, particularly when concerns are formally raised before a judge. By allowing virtual attendance, the tribunal has chosen a route that keeps Ziaul in prison while enabling the hearings to continue.
No change has been announced to the underlying case, its allegations or the tribunal’s consideration of evidence. The immediate effect is limited to how Ziaul will appear at future hearings: he will remain in custody at Keraniganj and participate through audio-visual conferencing.
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