The International Crimes Tribunal has adjourned until July 20 for the hearing on the war crimes cases against Jamaat leader Mawlana Abdus Subhan. The tribunal made the decision yesterday after accepting a time plea from the prosecution.
Yesterday was the day that had been fixed for the cross examination of 21st prosecution witness Md Shahidullah alias Shahid, who testified against the accused on Wednesday.
The witness claimed that Subhan was responsible for his father’s death. He also claimed that Subhan had ordered the killing of one Samujuddin in Kulunia village in Pabna on May 11, 1971.
After his deposition, the tribunal on Wednesday adjourned the trial keeping the cross examination incomplete. Yesterday morning, after the tribunal resumed proceedings, prosecutor Sultan Mahmud sought more time by saying the witness had suddenly fell ill and was in no condition to face the questionings.
Sixty-four-year old Md Shahidullah alias Shahid, son of Sheikh Kobad Ali from Sadhupara of Pabna district township, said in his emotionally charged deposition on Wednesday that as a freedom fighter he had appeared before the tribunal.
He said his father was a very well behaved person and he had no enemy. Subhan refused to see his father when his mother went to visit him.
After his deposition, defence counsel advocate Mizanul Islam questioned him briefly.
Accused Subhan, 77, was indicted on December 31, 2013 on nine counts of crimes against humanity. The case was transferred to the second tribunal on March 27 this year for quick disposal.
