Martyr’s son testifies against AKM Yusuf

An eyewitness in the war crimes case against AKM Yusuf yesterday gave a touching description of his father’s murder in 1971, in which the accused was allegedly involved.

Abdul Malek Fakir and his mother Achhia Khatun gave the deposition of the killing of freedom fighter Joynal Fakir at the International Crimes Tribunal-2.

The tribunal headed by Justice Obaidul Hassan has meanwhile summoned Abdul Wadud, lawyer of the District Judge’s Court, Bagerhat, and Shamima Aktar of Notary Public, Bangladesh to the court on December 4 to clarify about an affidavit allegedly sworn by Achhia.

The contents of the affidavit could not be known immediately.

Malek, who is a honey collector in the Sundarbans, said his father received training in the forest during the Liberation War and fought against the infamous Razakar force, which was allegedly founded by Yusuf.

He told the tribunal, “On June 9, 1971, my father along with other freedom fighters went to Tafalbari Bazar around 2:30pm and were caught by some 30-35 Razakars.

“My father was brutally beaten up on the ground,” said Malek and broke into tears.

The tribunal asked him to take a break. As the witness continued crying, Justice Hassan said, “You have come here to seek justice. Crying won’t help you. You will have to say it.”

At this, the witness who is about 57 resumed deposition. “[My] father was being beaten up with rifle butts,” said the witness, who used to sell bread in the bazaar.

“As I went nearer, they threatened me with rifle butts,” said Malek, adding, he had to watch the brutal incident helplessly.

At one stage of beating, his father was dragged to the bank of a nearby river and shot to death. “His body was thrown into the river. Three days later we found the body and buried him in our home yard,” he said.

The witness said he could recognise some local Razakars including Yusuf. “Moulana Yusuf held my father against the ground stepping into his hand,” he added.

Malek also identified Yusuf at the dock of the tribunal.

Following his deposition, defence counsel Mizanur Rahman cross-examined him.

In reply to a question, Malek said a case was filed with the District Judge’s Court, Khulna in connection with his father’s killing after independence and Yusuf was an accused in that case.

He denied a suggestion of the defence counsel that three years ago local leaders had influenced his mother to file a case against Yusuf.

The witness said he had first given a statement before the tribunal at the Tafalbari muktijoddha office. About 20 days after that he gave deposition at Sarankhola police station.

On completion of the cross-examination, the prosecution produced Malek’s mother Achhia Khatun, seventh prosecution witness of the case.

During cross-examination defence counsel Mizanur showed her a document asking if she could recognise the photo attached to it.

Achhia said it was her photo and expressed her surprise how it was there. The defence counsel also showed her a signature on the document and asked her if she had signed it.

The witness said it was not her signature.

At this stage, the tribunal saw the affidavit. The tribunal chairman said Achhia’s affidavit should not be in other’s possession unless it was made by others.

Since the witness denied signing on the affidavit, the tribunal summoned the lawyers concerned to verify it.

The proceeding of the case was adjourned until today.

Yusuf is facing 13 war crimes charges for his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity committed during the war.