DHAKA, June 3, 2025 (BSS) - The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 today adjourned till June 19 the hearing on contempt of court petition filed against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leader Shakil Akand Bulbul.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, passed the order as the accused did not appear before the court despite notices published in newspapers asking them to be present today and submit their explanations. 

Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam took part in the hearing on the matter today.

Earlier, on May 26, the ICT-1 published notice on two national dailies, asking ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and BCL leader Shakil Akand Bulbul to appear before it on June 3 and give explanations over a contempt of court application brought against them by the prosecution. 

Confirming the matter to newsmen, ICT prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim on that day said, "Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina obstructed the (ICT) investigation through issuing threats and delivering hate speeches on various occasions. A contempt of court application was filed by the prosecution with the ICT-1 in this connection."

Following the application, the ICT-1 had issued a contempt of court notice against accused Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Akand Bulbul. The two were supposed to appear before the tribunal on May 25, but they failed to do so. 

"The tribunal on May 25 issued an order, giving them another opportunity to appear before it. The tribunal in its order directed to publish notices on two widely circulated national dailies, asking the two accused to appear before it within seven days. Following the order, the notices were published in two national dailies," Tamim had added.

Advocate Tamim also reminded that anyone found involved in obstructing the trial, threatening the witnesses or the victims, or hindering the activities of the tribunal, can be sentenced to one year jail and fined Taka 5,000 under the concerned act.