Former Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan stirred controversy during a court hearing by demanding trials for war crimes and political killings by past regimes before prosecuting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
During a remand hearing at Dhaka’s Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Wednesday, Shahjahan Khan, accused in a murder case linked to the recent anti-discrimination student protests, claimed that those responsible for atrocities during Bangladesh’s Liberation War and subsequent political assassinations should be tried before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faces any legal action.
“The charges against Hasina pale in comparison to the crimes committed in 1971. Jamaat-e-Islami was involved in the killing of millions, and Ziaur Rahman executed thousands of military officials and political figures. Even Ershad conducted political murders. They are all guilty,” Khan stated in court.
The hearing became heated as Khan, along with former Dhaka North Mayor Atiqul Islam and banned Chhatra League DU unit leader Tanvir Hasan Saikat, was presented for remand. The prosecution sought seven-day remands for each, citing the need to recover weapons and interrogate the accused properly. The court later granted a one-day remand for Khan and two-day remands for the others.
Khan, claiming serious health issues including five heart blockages, requested interrogation at the jail gate instead of police custody. As the courtroom environment grew tense with verbal exchanges among lawyers, Khan appealed to the judge, saying, “We’re being threatened in front of you. You must ensure justice.”
Outside the courtroom, while being taken back to custody, Khan reiterated his stance: “Try the war criminals and killers of 1971 before putting Hasina on trial.” When asked if he regretted the July incident, he responded, “Of course, I am remorseful.”
The case stems from the July 19 protest in Dhaka’s Jatrabari, where a protester named Arif was fatally shot by police. A total of 233 individuals have been named in the murder case.
LND/BG
