Arguments in Azad case starts

Hearing resumes tomorrow

 

Abul Kalam Azad 

International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Sunday adjourned till tomorrow the recording of closing arguments in war crimes case against expelled Jamaat-e-Islami member Abul Kalam Azad.
The case against Azad, popularly known as Bachchu Razakar has reached on final stage with the recording of closing arguments which started December 23.
The three-member tribunal led by Justice Obaidul Hasan recorded the arguments for nearly two hours starting from around 10:45am.
The two other members are: Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Judge M Shahinur Islam.
During today's hearing, Prosecutor Sahidur Rahman placed arguments based on the testimonies of nine prosecution witnesses.
The witnesses earlier had brought four specific charges against Azad.
The prosecution will place the arguments of a total of 22 witnesses against the expelled Jamaat leader during the session of recording of closing arguments in Azad case.
The charges include torture and killing.
The tribunal will deliver the verdict after completing the arguments of the prosecution.
Earlier on December 19, the tribunal fixed today to record closing arguments of prosecution after the state-appointed defence counsel failed to produce any defence witness or a list of witnesses for Azad.
On October 7, the tribunal decided to hold the trial of the ousted Jamaat member in absentia.
On November 4, the tribunal indicted Azad with eight charges of crimes against humanity including genocide, murder and rape that he allegedly committed during the country Liberation War in 1971.