Senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna has announced that he will no longer represent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in two cases filed with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) over alleged enforced disappearances and torture during the Awami League government. Panna had earlier been appointed as a state defense counsel for Hasina, who faces charges alongside former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and several current and former military officials. In a Facebook Live broadcast on November 27, Panna explained that he withdrew because Hasina reportedly has no confidence in the tribunal. He also expressed his decision to defend BNP leader Fazlur Rahman, who faces contempt of court charges for critical remarks about the tribunal. Panna stated that it would be unethical for him to defend someone who lacks trust in the court, emphasizing that public confidence determines the tribunal’s legitimacy. He added that he has not yet received a formal appointment letter for Hasina’s defense role.