Closing arguments begin Jan 4

The war crimes case against Obaidul Haque Taher and Ataur Rahman Nani, two alleged Razakars from Netrakona, is set to enter the final stage as International Crimes Tribunal-1 yesterday fixed January 4 to begin hearing closing arguments.

Yesterday Nani's lawyer Abdus Sobhan Tarafder said they, like Taher, would not produce witnesses though the day was fixed for recording the testimony. Taher and Nani plead not guilty to the six charges.

After hearing the arguments, the tribunal usually notifies a day ahead before delivering the verdict.

Meanwhile with the chairman, Justice Anwarul Haque, on leave, the two-member tribunal led by Justice Md Shahinur Islam directed the prosecution to submit on January 25 formal charges, if there are any, against five alleged Moulvibazar Razakars.

Prosecutor Abul Kalam had sought eight weeks to complete investigations against Ujer Ahmed, Yunus Ahmed, Shamsul Haque Talukder, Mobarak Mia and Nesar Ali who were allegedly involved in crimes committed during the Liberation War in 1971. Ujer and Yunus are under arrest while the rest on the run, Abul Kalam said.