The war crimes tribunal Tuesday asked the defence of Abdul Alim to end cross-examination of the investigation officer by today.
Defence counsel Ahsanul Huq Tuesday questioned Investigation Officer ZM Altafur Rahman, the 35th and last prosecution witness against Alim, for the fourth day.
The tribunal 2 then gave the defence one hour to complete the proceedings today or it would pass further order in the case.
Earlier on July 30, the defence sought adjournment on the cross-examination citing that Alim’s conducting lawyer Ahsanul was ill. The tribunal approved the plea but warned that it would not afford the privilege repeatedly.
But at that time, Ahsanul had continued arguments in the case against Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury at the tribunal 1. So he could not be present at the tribunal 2.
Ahsanul Tuesday cross examined the IO for a half-day session and later the tribunal ordered the defence to complete by 11:30am.
The IO made his deposition on July 24 and 25 and the tribunal set July 29 for his cross-examination but the defence sought an adjournment on the day. The tribunal then set July 30 for the questioning. After that, the defence again sought adjournment.
Prosecution placed 34 witnesses against Alim. The 19th witness was declared “hostile” as he did not mention anything related to Alim.
The tribunal 2 earlier accepted the statements of two prosecution witnesses as evidence. The witnesses Dulu and Akram made the statements to the investigation officer, but died on June 12 and November 24, 2011.
Alim is facing 17 charges of crimes against humanity he allegedly committed in Joypurhat during the 1971 Liberation War. He was the chairman of district Peace Committee. He was accused of killing thousands of people in Joypurhat in collaboration with Pakistani army.
Arrested on March 27, 2011, Alim has been enjoying conditional bail since March 31 last year.
