Mahmudur Rahman, Nahid Islam to give depositions in ICT on Monday
NN ONLINE:
Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman and National Citizens Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam will give depositions against Sheikh Hasina and two others before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) on Monday.
The ICT-1, headed by Justice Golam Murtoza Majumder, today fixed next Monday for recording the depositions of the two ‘star witnesses’ in the case against the three for their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity. Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim disclosed the information to the journalists after coming out from the ICT. The tribunal so far recoded the depositions of 45 prosecution witnesses in connection with the case till Tuesday last.
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, one of the three accused of the case, gave his deposition as a state approver after the depositions and cross examinations of 35 witnesses of the case. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi M H Tamim moved for the state where the other prosecutors were present before the tribunal at that time.
On the other hand, state appointed counsel advocate Amir Hossain was present for fugitive accused Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal while advocate Zayed Bin Amjad was present for accused former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun who later became a state approver of the case.
The ICT-1 framed charges against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun on July 10 for their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity. At one stage of the trial, the former IGP Mamun gave confessional statement before the court and became state approver.
Two more cases have remained pending in the tribunal against Sheikh Hasina for her alleged involvement in enforced disappearance and killings of many people during her 15-year rule and killing of many people at a Hefajat rally in city’s Shapla Chattar on May 5 in 2013.
Two International Crimes Tribunals are in a row to try the stalwarts of last Awami League (AL) government, its party cadres and a section of government officials including law enforcing agencies for their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during last year’s July-August mass upsurge.