PoriPurno News Desk | August 06, 2025
On the third day of witness testimony in the war crimes trial related to the July–August 2023 mass uprising, defense lawyers for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina raised serious doubts over a key video presented as evidence in the murder case of student activist Abu Saeed.
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1, which is currently trying Hasina and two others for alleged crimes against humanity, resumed proceedings on Wednesday, August 6. The court heard testimonies from two eyewitnesses: Rina Murmu, a student of Begum Rokeya University, and A.K.M. Moinul Haque, Rangpur correspondent for NTV.
Eyewitnesses Recount Events Surrounding Abu Saeed’s Killing
Both witnesses appeared before the tribunal to describe the events leading up to and following the murder of Abu Saeed, which took place on July 16, 2023, during what has since been labeled the “July–August Movement.” According to their accounts, Abu Saeed was a vocal participant in the anti-government protests and was allegedly abducted and killed during a violent crackdown.
Murmu gave a chilling narrative of the moments before Saeed’s abduction, while journalist Moinul Haque claimed to have filmed key footage of the attack itself, which has become a central piece of evidence in the ongoing trial.
Hasina’s Lawyer: “The Video Is AI-Generated”
In a surprising turn during cross-examination, Amir Hossain, the state-appointed defense attorney representing Hasina, questioned the authenticity of the video footage that purportedly captures the attack on Abu Saeed.
“This video was not recorded live. It was created using artificial intelligence,” Hossain argued in court, suggesting that the prosecution was relying on manipulated digital media to implicate his client.
However, journalist Moinul Haque rejected the allegation outright. “I recorded that footage myself,” he told the court firmly. “There was no AI involved. The video is authentic and unaltered.”
The court did not immediately rule on the admissibility of the video evidence but noted the objection raised by the defense. Tribunal sources say the footage had previously passed preliminary forensic checks before being admitted into the case file.
Tribunal Schedules Next Hearing
The tribunal, presided over by ICT-1, continued the hearing from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a brief recess. The next date for witness testimony has been scheduled for August 17, 2025.
The trial has gained international attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused. Alongside Sheikh Hasina, two other senior political figures are facing charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, enforced disappearance, and torture, committed during the state’s suppression of mass protests in mid-2023.
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Background: The July–August Movement
The July–August Movement of 2023 erupted amid allegations of election rigging, corruption, and authoritarian overreach by the then-incumbent government. The protests, spearheaded by students, opposition parties, and civil society groups, were met with brutal force. Several protestors were killed or disappeared, with Abu Saeed’s murder emerging as a flashpoint in the national reckoning.
The ICT’s current proceedings mark the first time a former Bangladeshi prime minister has faced trial for post-1971 war crimes committed against civilians.
Legal and Political Implications
Legal experts suggest that the defense’s attempt to cast doubt on digital evidence may be part of a broader strategy to undermine the credibility of the prosecution, especially as more footage and digital communication records are expected to be presented in the coming days.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations have called for full transparency in the trial, warning against the politicization of justice, but also stressing the need for accountability for state-sponsored violence.
As the case unfolds, all eyes remain on the International Crimes Tribunal to see whether this historic trial will deliver justice—or be remembered as a deeply contested chapter in Bangladesh’s legal and political history.
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