Senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna has offered an unconditional apology to Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal after failing to appear for a scheduled hearing. Panna had been appointed as state defense counsel for fugitive Sheikh Hasina in two separate cases involving allegations of enforced disappearance, torture, and murder during the Awami League government’s tenure. However, he later publicly stated that Hasina had no confidence in the tribunal and declared it unethical to represent her. His absence at the December 3 hearing prompted the tribunal to summon him. Appearing in a wheelchair, Panna cited illness and reiterated his unwillingness to continue as defense counsel. The tribunal accepted his apology, released him from his duties, and appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain as the new state defense counsel. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, expressed hope for Panna’s cooperation in future proceedings.