They killed eight in Netrakona

Noni

The first prosecution witness in the war crimes case against Obaidul Haque alias Taher and Ataur Rahman alias Noni yesterday testified hearing from sources in 1971 of the duo's involvement in the killing of eight persons in Netrakona during the Liberation War.

Meanwhile, with the defence deciding against producing a witness for Afsar Hossain alias Chutu, one of two alleged Chapainawabganj Razakars including Mahidur Rahman, International Crimes Tribunal-2 fixed April 15 for the prosecution's closing arguments.

Stating that he fought in the Liberation War after training in Meghalaya, Nurul Amin also showed International Crimes Tribunal-1 a list of Razakars prepared by Netrakona District Muktijuddha Command Unit, of which he is the commander, containing Obaidul and Ataur's names.

He said Obaidul and Ataur had joined the Razakar Bahini, the Pakistani occupation army's auxiliary force, which, along with peace committees, another auxiliary force, was formed in Netrakona's thanas and unions by an 11-member Peace Committee.

Taher

The 11-member body was formed under the leadership of local Muslim League leader Fazlul Haque and Nezam-e-Islami leader Monjurul Haque in Netrakona in May 1971. Obaidul is Fazlul's son while Ataur Muslim League leader Hasan Ali Moktar's, said Nurul.

Of the eight victims, local Awami League leader Fazlul Rahman was tortured at Zila Parishad Dak Bungalow and killed near Trimohoni Bridge after the Pakistani army accompanied by Obaidul and Ataur attacked Baushi Bazar of Barhatta Police Station on August 17, he said.

Renowned footballer Dabir Hossain was held by Razakars led by Obaidul and Ataur on October 4, tortured in a camp and shot dead near Moktarpara Bridge, added Nurul.

The remaining six who were shot dead and a bank officer who survived had been detained by the Pakistani army along with Obaidul, Ataur and other Razakars who had gone to Birampur Bazar on November 15 around 10:00am, he said.

He stated that 26 of 27 Hindus detained from Jail Gate on the first week of October were shot dead at Trimohoni Bridge, Nurul added.

Defence counsels cross-examined him and proceedings were adjourned until April 19.