War crimes: ICT wants ex-army official’s health report

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) today directed the civil surgeon in Dhaka to submit a report before it by March 29 on the health condition of a former Bangalee army official who allegedly worked for Pakistan army and committed crimes during the Liberation War in 1971.

Upon receiving the report, the ICT-1 will decide whether Muhamed Shahidullah is fit for the trial, Prosecutor Tapas Kanti Baul said.

The tribunal earlier fixed today to pass an order whether it would frame charges against Shahidullah for his alleged war-time offences.

Shahidullah, also known as Captain Shahidullah from Golaperchar village of Daudkandi upazila in Comilla, had involvement in confinement, torture, abduction, looting, arson and killing of at least three people during the war, according to agency officials.

Quoting one of the family members of Shahidullah, Prosecutor Tapas said he was seriously ill and could not tell his name when the tribunal asked him.

Then, the three-member tribunal led by Justice Md Shahinur Islam ordered Dhaka Civil Surgeon to submit a report by March 29 after forming a medical board to examine his physical condition, Prosecutor Tapas said.

On October 30 last year, prosecution pressed three charges against Shahidullah.

For the first time, prosecution had pressed charges against a former army official who worked for Pakistan army during the war in 1971.