75 get 45 days to defend

The BDR special court-4 yesterday fixed February 15 for framing charges against 75 alleged mutineers of 9 Rifle Battalion of Marishya zone in Rangamati.
The court gave 45 days to the accused to prepare for their defence after prosecutor of the case Lt Col Shamimur Rahman, commanding officer of the zone, read out the charges against them in their presence.
A total of 61 witnesses will give their depositions to the three-member special court led by Director General of Bangladesh Rifles Maj Gen M Mainul Islam.
All the accused jawans were produced before the court that started around 9:40am and continued till 10:40am.
The court started the trial on Wednesday with the prosecutor presenting complaints against the alleged mutineers.
Earlier on Wednesday, the same court adjourned the proceedings against nine mutineers of 12 Rifles Battalion till February 14, the day it is likely to declare the verdict.
A mutiny in Rangamati took place at three of five battalions of the sector following the carnage at BDR Pilkhana Headquarters. The three battalions are 12 Rifle Battalion at Rajanagar in Longudu upazila, 9 Rifle Battalion at Marishya in Baghaichhari upazila and 18 Rifle Battalion at Chhotohorina in Barkal upazila.