Defence starts closing arguments today

With the prosecution completing closing arguments on factual aspects, International Crimes Tribunal-1 yesterday asked the defence to start theirs today over seven charges of three “Bagerhat Razakars'” involvement in crimes during the 1971 Liberation War.

Afterwards, the prosecution will place arguments on law points against Sheikh Sirajul Haque alias Siraj Master, Khan Akram Hossain and Abdul Latif Talukdar.

Yesterday, prosecutor Syed Sayedul Haque Suman placed arguments on the last three charges citing testimonies of prosecution witnesses and claiming that the charges have been proven.

On Monday, Suman and Sheikh Moshfeq Kabir placed arguments on the first four.

The prosecution says Siraj, Akram and Latif joined the Razakar Bahini, the Pakistani occupation army's auxiliary force, and committed killing, mass killing, rape, looting, arson and forced Hindus to convert to Islam.

The prosecution produced 32 witnesses including the case's investigation officer while five testified for Akram and Latif.