8 war crimes charges pressed against Forkan ‘Razakar’

Prosecution today pressed eight charges against war crimes suspect Forkan Mallik of Patuakhali for his crimes against humanity committed during the country’s Liberation War in 1971.

Prosecutor Mokhlesure Rahman pressed the formal charges that include mass killing, looting and arson to the registrar office of the International Crimes Tribunal this morning.

The 63-year-old hailed from Chailabunia village in Mirzaganj upazila of Patuakhali.

After hearing the charges, the International Crimes Tribunal-2 fixed November 30 to decide whether it will take the charges into cognisance.

After the International Crimes Tribunal's investigation agency completed the probe report on Forkan on October 27, the report, statements of witnesses and other documents were submitted to the prosecution.

On June 25, Detective Branch of police arrested Forkan from Rupatali Bus Stand area of Barisal following a warrant issued against him for his alleged involvement in war crimes during the Liberation War in 1971.

One Abdul Hamid of Shoulabunia of Mirzaganj upazila of Patuakhali filed a case against Forkan Mallik, 62, who was a Razakar commander, with Mirzaganj Police Station on July 21, 2009.

In the case, the complainant alleged that Forkan had abetted Pakistani occupation forces to kill president of Subidkhali Awami League Abdul Qader Jamaddar, AL activist Yazuddin Khalifa, Dr Debendranath and his wife and some minority people in the area during the liberation war.

After police investigation, the case was sent to Patuakhali District and Sessions Judge's Court which issued the warrant against Forkan last year.