BGB officer weeps in tribunal

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officer Lieutenant Colonel Redwanul Islam broke down in tears before the International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday, saying frequent hearing dates were making it difficult for him to bear legal expenses while supporting his family.

Redwanul, an accused in a crimes-against-humanity case over the killing of 28 people in Rampura during the July Mass Uprising, made the remarks before the single-member bench of International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

During the day’s proceedings, student Ratul Hasan testified as the 12th prosecution witness. He was later cross-examined by defence lawyers.

While his lawyer Shahinur Islam was conducting the cross-examination, Redwanul sought the tribunal’s permission to speak from the dock.

In a tearful voice, he said the short intervals between hearing dates were putting him under financial strain.

“I suffer a lot when dates are fixed so frequently. I cannot even pay my lawyer’s fees. I do not have much savings either. It would be better if the court allowed a longer gap between hearings,” he told the tribunal.

Redwanul also said his current salary was very limited and that he was struggling to decide whether to spend it on his family or on legal expenses.

The judge then asked Shahinur Islam about the issue. The defence lawyer said he was charging only a reasonable fee.

Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim, however, told the tribunal that hearings at shorter intervals would help ensure a speedy conclusion of the trial.

After hearing both sides, the judge said Redwanul’s remarks had touched him and fixed September 2 for continuation of the unfinished cross-examination.

Lieutenant Colonel Redwanul Islam and Major Md Rafat Bin Alam, both arrested in the case, are currently being held at a sub-jail in Dhaka Cantonment.

Two other accused — former additional deputy commissioner of the DMP’s Khilgaon Zone Md Rashedul Islam and former officer-in-charge of Rampura Police Station Md Mashiur Rahman — remain absconding.

According to the prosecution, 28 people were killed and many others injured in Rampura during the July Mass Uprising.

Based on the investigation agency’s report, the prosecution submitted formal charges against the four accused before the tribunal.