Yusuf accused of Rampal genocide

Another prosecution witness yesterday testified that Razakars, at Jamaat-e-Islami leader AKM Yusuf’s directives, had killed 500-600 Hindus in a single act of genocide at Rampal of Bagerhat during the Liberation War.
Babul Kumar Mistri, the 14th prosecution witness in Yusuf’s case, told the International Crimes Tribunal-2 that Razakars robbed valuables of his home after inflammatory speeches had been delivered from a Peace Committee meeting at Rampal College Auditorium on April 19, 1971.
On Sunday, Sudhangshu Mandol, the 13th prosecution witness, testified that Razakars had killed 500-600 Hindus at the directives of Yusuf at Rampal and he learnt about Yusuf’s involvement in the killings from local Peace Committee leaders.
The tribunal yesterday closed the postponed cross-examination of Sudhangshu as Yusuf’s conducting counsel again failed to show up before the court and a junior counsel expressed inability to cross-examine him. Sudhangshu was initially supposed to be cross-examined on Sunday.
During his 24-minute testimony, 49-year-old Babul said Peace Committee had arranged a meeting at Rampal College Auditorium on April 19, 1971, which he along with his uncle Kalipada Mistri had attended.
In the meeting, Razzab Ali Fakir and Moslem Doctor delivered speeches and Moslem called for looting and using Hindus’ properties, said Babul.
Frightened, he and his uncle returned home and went into hiding along with other family members.
After some time, Razakars came and looted six houses of their valuables in their locality. He said they escaped to India two-three days after the incident.
He said it was probably May 19, 1971, when Razakars opened fire on 5,000-7,000 people at Dakra village in Bagerhat. He said one of his maternal uncles was there.
“From my father, I heard that the killing took place under the leadership of AKM Yusuf. I want justice for the killings,” added Babul.
Babul would be cross-examined today.
Meanwhile, the defence of war crimes accused Jamaat leader Mir Quasem Ali submitted a list of 25 defence witnesses for their case. Quasem is facing 14 crimes against humanity charges.
TRIBUNAL-1
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 yesterday deferred hearing on a review petition on charge framing against Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam.
Yesterday was fixed for the hearing but the defence prayed for a two-day adjournment as their chief defence counsel Abdur Razzaq could not appear before the tribunal due to “personal difficulties”.
The tribunal yesterday rejected a defence petition for privileged communication between Azhar and his counsels.