The war crimes tribunal yesterday warned the lawyers of alleged al-Badr leader ATM Azharul Islam for seeking time to place the first defence witness.
Setting August 3 as the new date after a hearing the plea, Chairman Justice M Enayetur Rahim of the International Crimes Tribunal 1 said: “If you fail to produce your witness on that day, the prosecution will start placing their closing arguments in the case.”
When the proceedings began yesterday, defence counsel Shishir Monir submitted an application seeking two weeks time to produce their first witness. He said they would place only one witness, not four, through which the defence would exhibit all the documents to prove the accused innocent.
Prosecutor Tapos Kanti Baul opposed the plea. After hearing both the sides, the tribunal set the new date and warned the defence.
The defence yesterday also submitted that they would place the only witness from outside the final list. Justice Enayet expressed annoyance but did not give any order.
At the tribunal 2 adjourned the trial against Syed Mohammad Qaisar until July 20 as the investigation officer of the case was sick. Yesterday was fixed for cross-examination of Monowara Begum who concluded her deposition on July 7.