Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, said judges in Bangladesh bore greater responsibility than Sheikh Hasina for the establishment of fascism. He made the remarks on July 25 at a seminar on human rights violations and victims’ right to justice, organised by Odhikar at the CIRDAP auditorium on Topkhana Road in the capital. He said the judiciary created the environment on which fascism was established.

Rahman identified personality cults, sycophancy and changing positions with power as major causes of Bangladesh’s state crisis. Recounting his own experiences, he cited 125 cases filed against him, an attack in a Kushtia court compound, and travel to courts in different districts. He alleged that judges did not accept his request to transfer the cases to Dhaka and said a judge made an insulting remark when he sought anticipatory bail.

He said future recurrence could be prevented through justice for offenders regardless of political affiliation, genuine democracy and an environment for reasoned, objective criticism of the government. Rahman said he had testified before the International Crimes Tribunal and urged others to provide truthful testimony. He also said the current government should remember its past experience as victims and avoid becoming new oppressors.