Punish SQ Chy

Wrapping up their closing arguments, the prosecution yesterday appealed to the International Crimes Tribunal-1 to punish Salauddin Quader Chowdhury for his alleged crimes against humanity.
Prosecutor Tureen Afroz said dual character was seen in SQ Chowdhury like Grigori Rasputin, who was obsessed by religion but also led an uncontrolled sexual life.
“He has been looking for Rasputin in people of the country. But if he [SQ Chowdhury] looks in the mirror, he will find that Rasputin… This Rasputin should be punished,” Tureen added.
The tribunal asked the defence to begin their closing arguments from today as the prosecution ended their arguments.
The prosecution yesterday placed arguments on the mode of crimes allegedly committed by SQ Chowdhury, his liabilities and sentence.
Tureen also pointed out inconsistencies in SQ Chowdhury's testimony before the tribunal.
The accused had earlier in his deposition said he was being tried because of his “commitment” for the cause of the Muslim ummah.
His commitment and record of study are contradictory, Tureen said, adding, SQ Chowdhury studied at Notre Dame College, which is run by Christian missionaries.
The accused had earlier claimed he was an active participant of anti-Yahya movement and was an active supporter of Bangladesh's independence during the Liberation War.
The prosecutor said the accused had claimed he left Bangladesh on March 29, 1971 for Pakistan and stayed there until August. He also claimed he had gone to London from Pakistan driving a car for adventure in August.
Laughing at SQ Chowdhury's claim of being an active supporter of independence, Tureen said when the country was fighting for freedom he had set off for a new adventure.
She also argued if SQ Chowdhury was liable to the genocide, crimes against humanity, complicity in the war crimes and conspiracy during the war.
“There is a commonality found in the crimes. Massacre and killings had been committed in Hindu majority areas. Alternatively, from the charges it is seen some kind of negotiation was made with the Muslims,” Tureen said.
“From the witnesses' testimony we find a common pattern in every incident. Salauddin Quader Chowdhury was either accompanying the army or giving instruction or sitting on the spot,” she added.
She explained the liabilities of SQ Chowdhury in three sections: individual liability, joint command enterprise and superior responsibility.
“All of these are applicable for the accused. We found his presence on every spot and involvement in every offence,” she said.
“The accused is liable for crimes against humanity as well as genocide committed during the Liberation War,” she said, adding, all the operations were conducted as a group comprised of Pakistani army and their local collaborators.
“If the involvement of the group is 0.05 percent in war crimes, its liability will fall upon SQ Chowdhury,” she said.
She added the liabilities of crimes committed at Goods Hill fall upon the accused as he was present there.