Dhaka – The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 today adjourned the hearing of the trial of incumbent Jamaat chief Matiur Rahman Nizami till tomorrow, giving a last chance to his counsels to appear before the tribunal and submit their part of closing arguments.Today as the tribunal started its proceedings at about 10.48 am, advocate Asad Uddin, a junior defence counsel, submitted an application seeking adjournment for 2 days. He has successfully submitted the same petition for three consecutive days. Asad’s submission and ground for seeking adjournment was also identical.
“I have nothing new to say. My seniors could not appear before the tribunal for their personal difficulties. I am pleading for two-day adjournment,” advocate Asad said in his submission.
On the other hand, the prosecution vehemently opposed the defence plea.
After hearing both the sides, the tribunal adjourned the hearing till tomorrow.
“We are adjourning the hearing till tomorrow. It’s a last chance for the defence to appear and submit their closing arguments,” said Justice A.T.M Fazle Kabir, chairman of the three-member panel of ICT-1.
The incumbent chief of Jamaat-e-Islami was indicted on May 28, last year, on 16 counts of crimes against humanity including murder, rape, arson and inciting violence.
A total of 26 prosecution witnesses, including the investigation officer, testified against Nizami, whereas four DWs, including his son have vouched for him. – BSS
