The war crimes tribunal yesterday expressed discontent as the defence of three accused including Sheikh Sirajul Haque alias Siraj Master sought more time to begin hearing on the charge framing matter.
The tribunal termed such petition frustrating since the defence appeared at the court unprepared after a long vacation.
Though it allowed the plea and adjourned the proceedings until October 20, the tribunal 1, led by Justice M Enayetur Rahim, asked everyone to come to the court with full preparation.
Conducting lawyer M Sarwar Hossain yesterday sent an adjournment plea through his junior counsel Gazi MH Tamim who informed the tribunal that his senior had not been available to take part in the indictment hearing on behalf of Abdul Latif Talukder and Akram Hessian Khan.
The tribunal reacted as Sarwar had taken time earlier too for preparation. “This is a half-hearted plea...as if, you do not need the time and will start your submission if we reject the plea. It is a frustrating behaviour from your part.
“As a lawyer, you should take preparation before appearing before the tribunal.”
Tamim replied that he had no idea why his senior colleague had given him the petition only a night before.
M Abul Hassan, the state appointed defence counsel for Siraj Kosai, has already submitted his part on the discharge petition.
On September 30, prosecutor Syed Sayedul Haque ended hearing on charge framing against the trio.
