The trial of former army officer Ziaul Ahsan in a crimes against humanity case may conclude in October if proceedings continue at the current pace, the prosecution said on Sunday.
The prosecution has completed the testimony of 14 witnesses in the case, while the investigation officer may testify at the next scheduled hearing, said Prosecutor Mizanul Islam.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Mizanul, appointed with the rank of additional attorney general, said the prosecution had presented documentary evidence as well as eyewitness and circumstantial testimony to support the charges against Ziaul.
He said the evidence presented so far was sufficient, in the prosecution’s view, to support the allegations and that the prosecution would seek the maximum punishment during its final arguments.
However, the power to impose punishment rests with the tribunal, not the prosecution,” Mizanul said.
Regarding the witnesses, he said the prosecution had presented eyewitnesses for all the incidents except the alleged case involving victim Alkas Mallik.
He said the witnesses included both former subordinates and senior officers of Ziaul Ahsan.
Mizanul also said the state had provided maximum cooperation to help ensure justice for the 104 alleged victims in the case.
He expressed hope that if proceedings continue normally, both sides would be able to complete their evidence and arguments by October.
The defence, however, rejected the prosecution’s assessment.
Defence lawyer Nazneen Nahar told reporters that the prosecution’s claim that it had presented sufficient evidence to prove the charges was unfounded.
She alleged that the prosecution had failed to produce any witness or documentary evidence capable of establishing the allegations against her client.
Nazneen further alleged that Ziaul had been made an accused and targeted after he refused to become a state witness against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
She also claimed that the prosecution had failed to submit documentary evidence and that much of the testimony was based on information witnesses had “heard” or “learned” from others.
The trial is being held before International Crimes Tribunal-1 over allegations of more than 100 enforced disappearances and killings during the previous Awami League government.
The prosecution’s allegations and the defence’s claims will ultimately be assessed by the tribunal.
