Verdict on 5 Kishoreganj suspects today

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is set to deliver the verdict today in a case filed against five Kishoreganj men for allegedly committing crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971.

The accused are Gazi Abdul Mannan, 88, alleged commander of a local Razakar camp, and alleged Razakar Bahini members Nasiruddin Ahmed, 62, his brother Shamsuddin Ahmed, 60, Hafiz Uddin, 66, and Azharul Islam, 60. All of them are from Karimganj upazila of Kishoreganj.

They are facing seven charges, including those of mass killing, murder, confinement, torture, arson and looting. Of the five, only Shamsuddin is now in jail, and the rest on the run. The fugitives were tried in absentia.

On April 11, the tribunal kept the case waiting for the judgement after the prosecution and defence counsels completed their arguments. Yesterday, the three-member tribunal led by Justice Anwarul Haque announced to deliver the verdict today.

The prosecution claimed they had proved all seven charges “beyond reasonable doubt” and sought the capital punishment for the accused; on the other hand, the defence prayed for their acquittal, saying no charge was proved at all.

If convicted, the accused may face the death penalty.

The prosecution produced 25 witnesses, including the investigation officer, but the defence declined to produce anyone.