The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Prof Payam, appointed international counsel for Hasina by her family, yesterday observed there is a question in every one's mind as to how a reported event dated back eight years could be brought under Emergency Powers Rules.

He made some political comments at a press briefing yesterday. Knowledgeable quarters viewed it beyond his jurisdiction.

He found Azam J Chowdhury's case against Hasina based on a single piece of evidence of confessional statement made by detained Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim. "But everyone knows that Selim was tortured and intimidated to make the confession," he contended.

Prof Payam, who arrived here Monday to defend the Awami League president in a makeshift court, said Hasina should be given open and public hearing as she has not yet been convicted.

Prof Payam expressed his desire to meet detained Hasina, the Chief Adviser, other government officials and representatives of non-governmental human-right organisations.

Dhaka metropolitan sessions judge's court resumes (Wednesday) its stalled proceedings with the trial of detained former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a Tk 3-crore extortion case through deposition by the complainant, now that the roadblocks are removed.The sessions court, relocated to the highly secured parliament bhaban complex, is expected to resume its hearing at 9:30 am, as the Supreme Court has cleared the legal impediment to the trial proceedings.

Meanwhile, IG (Prisons) Brig Gen Zakir Hasan yesterday said there is no chance for Canadian attorney Prof Dr Payam Akhavan to meet his client as Bangladesh's Jail Code bars any foreigner from meeting any Bangladeshi detainee in jail.

IG (Prisons) Brig Gen Zakir Hasan made the remarks when he was asked whether the Canadian attorney would be allowed to meet detained former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now in makeshift jail on the parliament compound in connection with the extortion case.

Talking to UNB over cellphone, Brig Gen Zakir said a foreigner can only seek permission under the consular access to meet any foreign prisoner either under trial or convicted.

Prof Payam arrived here Monday to defend the Awami League president in the extortion case filed against her by a businessman.