Senior Supreme Court lawyer and freedom fighter ZI Khan Panna has been appointed as state defense counsel for fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in two ongoing cases related to enforced disappearances. The appointment was made under Section 12(1) of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, which allows the tribunal to assign a defense lawyer at government expense if an accused is unrepresented. Panna clarified that he accepted the role to ensure proper legal defense, emphasizing his commitment to justice rather than political alignment. When asked if he had any contact with Hasina, he declined to comment. Sheikh Hasina, convicted in a separate case related to the July uprising, remains a fugitive. The tribunal had earlier appointed state defense lawyers for Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both tried in absentia for crimes against humanity. The appointments reflect the tribunal’s adherence to due legal process despite the accused being on the run.