Conspectus: Shahriar Kabir seeks division in jail

Shahriar Kabir, president of the advisory committee of the Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, has sought for division in jail in the crime against humanity case related to “murders” during Hifazat-e Islam’s rally at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka’s Motijheel, 12 years ago.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) heard his petition on Sunday. However, the tribunal did not issue any order after hearing from both sides.

Supreme Court lawyer PM Mehdi Hasan represented Kabir at the two-member Tribunal-1 headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumder.

He told the tribunal, “My client has been in prison for one year and seven months. He is a Bangla Academy awardee and a dignitary.”

“As per the prison rules, he is eligible for a division in the prison as a distinguished citizen.”

Opposing the division on behalf of the prosecution, Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim said: “A production warrant was issued against Shahriar Kabir two months ago in this case. If he gets division, why can’t others get it?”