The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Wednesday fixed 4 May for recording the next witness testimony in a case over alleged crimes against humanity involving enforced disappearances at the Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) cell.
The date was set after the defence completed cross-examination of the prosecution’s third witness, Masrur Anwar Chowdhury.
Earlier, Masrur submitted his deposition on 19 April, followed by the first round of cross-examination on 20 April. The cross-examination concluded on Wednesday.
Defence lawyers, including Tabarak Hossain and Abul Hasan, conducted the questioning, while prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim represented the state.
State-appointed defence counsel Amir Hossain, representing fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, argued during cross-examination that she was not responsible for the alleged abduction, torture or damage to the witness’s career.
He also claimed that the witness himself was responsible for his career setbacks and had provided false testimony due to political differences.
Rejecting the claims, Masrur told the tribunal that Sheikh Hasina was responsible for his alleged abduction, torture and career damage, and maintained that his testimony was truthful.
The case relates to allegations of enforced disappearances and torture at the TFI cell. On 22 December last year, the tribunal formally began trial proceedings after framing five charges against Sheikh Hasina and several current and former military officials.
Of the 17 accused in the case, 10 – all military officers-have been arrested. The remaining seven, including Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, retired major general Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed, former additional IGP M Khurshid Hossain, former additional IGP Barrister Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, and lieutenant colonel Khairul Islam, are currently absconding.
