The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has rescheduled the cross-examination of Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, a key prosecution witness in a case involving alleged crimes against humanity related to enforced disappearances in the Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) cell.
The hearing will now be held on 25 February, following a request from the prosecution.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam told reporters that the tribunal is handling ongoing cases against several current and former military officials over enforced disappearances at the TFI cell. Barrister Arman, who had been summoned for questioning, requested a postponement due to his parliamentary responsibilities.
Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman had testified as the first prosecution witness on 21 January, providing detailed accounts of his abduction on the night of 9 August, 2016, when he was forcibly taken from his home by individuals posing as law enforcement officials.
The tribunal formally began the trial last 22 December, when it framed five charges of crimes against humanity in connection with enforced disappearances at the TFI cell.
Of the 17 accused in the case, 10 have been arrested, all of whom are current and former military officers. The list of arrested individuals includes Colonel Anwar Latif Khan, Colonel Mohammad Jahangir Alam, Colonel Tofail Mostafa Sarwar, Colonel KM Azad, Colonel Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, Colonel Mohammad Mahbub Alam, Colonel Mohammad Abdullah Al Momen, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Sarwar Bin Kashem, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mashiuur Rahman Jewel, and Lieutenant Colonel Saiful Islam Suman.
Seven individuals remain fugitives, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddiqui, former IGP Benazir Ahmed, former Additional IGP M Khurshid Hossain, former Additional IGP Barrister Mohammad Harun Ar Rashid, and Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Khairul Islam.
