No repeat of handcuff-free court appearance of Ziaul Ahsan: Law minister

Multiple lawmakers on Sunday expressed anger over the handcuff-free appearance of sacked Army officer Ziaul Ahsan, who is facing trial for crimes against humanity in the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

Responding to the concern raised by BNP MP from Sylhet-2 constituency Tahsina Rushdi Luna at the parliament, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman assured that such an incident would not recur on court premises.

Luna, wife of BNP leader M Ilias Ali who went missing allegedly after being picked up by law enforcement agencies, raised the issue on a point of order.

She said that a photograph of Ziaul Ahsan, who is a serial killer and facing trial over allegations of enforced disappearances and killings, had gone viral on social media after he was taken to court last Thursday for questioning.

Describing his appearance and body language in the photograph, Luna said that it appeared as though he was enjoying an outing, while the police personnel accompanying him looked more like they were providing him with an escort or protocol.

She questioned why a person accused of such serious crimes had been taken to court without handcuffs or leg restraints. The serial killer reportedly refused to wear handcuffs, and the authorities complied by not putting them on him, she said, expressing deep disappointment over the incident.

Luna said that families of other victims of enforced disappearances and killings were also concerned and apprehensive about the incident.

The Speaker observed that the matter did not strictly fall within the scope of a point of order but allowed the law minister to respond, considering its importance.

In his reply, Asaduzzaman said that the incident had also come to his attention. He said that on subsequent occasions, Ziaul Ahsan had been taken to court in the manner appropriate for a notorious criminal.

“The government assures this House that such an incident will not happen again on court premises,” said the minister.

He said that the government would ensure justice for people who had lost their eyesight, hands and other body parts during the July-August 2024 anti-fascist movement.