BSS, Dhaka :
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Monday set November 5 to pass an order whether to frame charges of crimes against humanity in the trial of three Razakar kingpins from Bagerhat , Abdul Latif Talukder, Sheikh Sirajul Haque alias Siraj Master and Khan Akram Hossain. The ICT-1 set the date as the defence concluded their part of hearing on discharge petitions filed against their clients.
Barrister M Sarwar Hossain, counsel for Latif and Akram, today took part in the hearing and pleaded for acquitting his clients from the allegations of crimes against humanity.
“The case that prompted the investigation agency of the ICT to launch probe against my clients, has already been disposed off. The daughter of the victim has given an affidavit, claiming that my clients were not involved in the murder of her father,” said Sarwar, without showing any documents in support of his claim.
“There is no mention of Akram in the very list of Razakars, presented by the prosecution before the tribunal. He was 15-year old boy at that time. On the other hand, Latif used to make ‘ruti’ in the camp of Freedom Fighters, later he was forced to join Razakar force but never took part in any crimes,” he added.
Prosecutor Barrister Syed Sayedul Haque Sumon however said there is enough evidence of crimes against humanity to frame charges against the trio. Advocate Mohammad Abul Hasan, state-appointed counsel for Siraj Master, however did not take part in hearing today as he has concluded his submission on September 30.
