Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chhatra League leader Shakil Alam Bulbul have been ordered to appear in person before International Crimes Tribunal-1 on June 3 in connection with a contempt of court case.
According to an official notice issued by the tribunal on May 26, both individuals are accused under Section 11(4) of the International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973, and Rule 45 of the Tribunal Rules of Procedure, 2010.
They had previously been served notices to respond to the charges but failed to appear or submit any written explanation by the designated date.
In response, the tribunal had directed that, public notices be published in two widely circulated national newspapers to ensure that the accused are informed.
Despite this effort, neither appeared in court during the scheduled hearing on May 25.
As a final opportunity to defend themselves, the tribunal has now set a new hearing for June 3 at 10:00 AM, ordering both Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Alam Bulbul to be physically present.
The tribunal has also stated that if they fail to appear on the specified date, the trial proceedings will continue in their absence.
The contempt charges stem from a viral audio clip in which a voice, alleged through forensic testing to belong to Sheikh Hasina, refers to obtaining a "license to kill" due to the filing of 227 cases against her.
The case is being overseen by a three-member judicial panel led by the tribunal chairman, with the prosecution having already presented its arguments.
