Verdict any day on Mymensingh war crimes accused

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 will deliver the verdict any day in a case filed against a Mymensingh man for allegedly committing genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.

The three-member tribunal led by Justice Md Shahinur Islam kept the verdict waiting after the defence counsel and the prosecution completed their closing arguments today.

The lone accused Riaz Uddin Fakir, 65, son of Nayeb Ali Fakir of Bhalukjan village of Phulbari upazila of the district is facing five charges and now in jail.

Wrapping up their arguments the prosecutor Hrishikesh Shaha prayed to the tribunal for capital punishment saying that the prosecution has been able to prove all the charges while defence counsel Syed Mizanur Rahman prayed for acquittal for this client.

On December 11, 2016, the tribunal framed charges against two people -- Fakir and, 70, son of Joynal Abedin of Bidyananda village under same upazila but the tribunal later learned that the Wajuddin died due to old age complications while he was on the run.

Subsequently, the tribunal excluded Wajuddin’s name from the case.

War crimes evidence found against three Habiganj men

The Investigation agency of ICT said to have found evidence against three Habiganj men over their alleged involvement of crimes committed during the Liberation War in 1971. Photo: Collected

The Investigation agency of ICT said to have found evidence against three Habiganj men over their alleged involvement of crimes committed during the Liberation War in 1971.

They were "involved" in looting, arson, abduction, confinement, torture and killings under Nabiganj Police Station in Habiganj, Sanaul Huq, co-coordinator of the agency, said at press conference at its Dhanmondi office.

The accused are Shafi Uddin, 80, Tajul Islam, 80 and Jahed Mia, 60 of Lakhai Upazila of the district.

Of them, Shafi is on the run while the rest are in jail.