Verdict in case against former AL leader today

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 will deliver its verdict today in a case filed against two men, including a former leader of Habiganj Awami League, over crimes committed during the Liberation War in 1971.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Shahinur Islam yesterday fixed the date around two and a half months after it completed trial, Prosecutor Rezia Sultana Chaman said.

It kept the verdict waiting for delivery on August 16, after both prosecution and defence completed their closing arguments in the case.

The accused -- Liakat Ali, 61, former president of Lakhai upazila unit of AL in Habiganj, and Aminul Islam alias Rajab Ali, 62 -- are now on the run. They are facing seven charges.

Wrapping up their arguments, prosecution had prayed for capital punishment for the accused, saying that they have been able to prove all charges. However, state-appointed defence counsel had sought acquittal of the accused.

The tribunal on November 1, 2016 framed seven charges against the two, after prosecution on May 3 that year pressed the charges against them.

The charges against them are: acts of genocide killing 43 Hindu men in Lakhai's Krishnapur; killing nine Hindu men in Chandipur and 26 Hindu men in Gadainagar; act of genocide in Krishnapur, Chandipur and Gadainagar leaving eight Hindu men dead; killing of one Rangu Mia in Nasirnagar; killing of five men in Sabiyanagar in Astogram; and killing of 10 other men in the same village.

Prosecution produced 17 witnesses during trial while the defence declined to produce any.