Dhaka – The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) yesterday directed the prosecution not to call anybody ‘Razakar’ in any case filed against anybody about crimes against humanity committed during the Liberation War of 1971, until the allegations are proved.The three-member tribunal of ICT, led by justice Anwarul Haque, pronounced the observation during the hearing on a petition filed by the prosecution seeking permission to interrogate three war crimes accused of Naogaon at the Safe Home. However, the tribunal allowed the prosecution to interrogate Rezaul Karim Mantu, Shahid Mandal and Ishak Ali from May 8-9.
Besides, the prosecution sought three months’ time to complete investigation against four suspected criminals of Naogaon for their alleged crimes against humanity. Other accused, Nazrul Islam has been on the run. Later, the tribunal fixed July12 for the submission of probe report in the case.
Abdus Sattar Paloan, a counsel of the accused, drew the attention of the tribunal and said Shahid Mandal was a teacher and he was being called a ‘Razakar’ although the trial is yet to be completed.
Earlier, on October 18, last year, a case was filed with the ICT against the four suspected war criminals of Naogaon. Police arrested three- Mantu, Ishak and Shahid. Of the accused police arrested Mantu, former Joypurhat district unit ameer of Jamaat-e- Islami Bangladesh in a criminal case and later, he was shown arrested in the present war crimes case. – Special Correspondent
