A new prosecution witness in the trial of former Jatiya Party lawmaker Abdul Jabbar yesterday claimed that razakars ordered by the accused had killed 22 villagers including his father during the 1971 Liberation War.
Freedom fighter Tikendra Nath Majumder, 61, appeared before the International Crimes Tribunal 1 as the 16th prosecution witness.
“Instructed by Jabbar, then chairman of Peace Committee, around 100-150 razakars stormed our village in Mothbaria and nearby Angulkata areas around 11:30pm on October 6, 1971.”
Hiding from a bush, the witness saw that the razakars beating up his family members including his grandfather and father, and taking them away. In response to queries by the female members, the razakars said the duo would be taken to the police station as ordered by Jabbar.
On way to Suryamoni village, the collaborators also picked up some other villagers. The very next day the witness had learnt that all the 37 detained people, including his grandfather, father and two uncles had been killed.
He also said the perpetrators had released seven abducted villagers in exchange of money.
“I was targeted by the razakars for being a freedom fighter. So I could not take any necessary step to rescue them,” the witness told the tribunal.
After his deposition, the tribunal adjourned the trial keeping the cross-examination incomplete.
