AKM Yusuf was responsible for killings, looting and arson at Shoronkhola, a new witness for prosecution has told the International Crimes Tribunal 2.
The witness described a meeting of the peace committee where war crimes accused AKM Yusuf was present to deliver a speech and instigated the collaborators to commit crimes against humanity. He also claimed Yusuf attended a series of meetings at that time.
Jamaat-e-Islami leader Yusuf is facing trial on 13 counts of crimes against humanity including genocide, murder, arson attacks, abduction, torture in confinement, forced conversion of Hindu people to Islam and deportation committed at different places in Bagerhat during the Liberation War of 1971.
The 19th prosecution witness, Abdul Latif Hawlader, testified yesterday against Yusuf. He said in his deposition he was living with his grandmother during the Liberation War. On July 29, 1971 he learned that AKM Yusuf would come to a meeting at Shoronkhola. He also heard that that day Yusuf took part in a meeting that was held at Shoronkhola police station.
On the same day, he saw some Razakars dragging a man named Abdus Salam from the riverside. The witness claimed he and his fellows hid themselves. They saw Yusuf order the Razakars, who then took the man to the riverside again and then they heard gunshots.
Witness said in his deposition villagers found the dead body of Salam after three days.
Following the testimony, junior defence counsel Sifur Rahman began cross-examining the witness. ICT 2 fixed January 12 for further proceedings.
On December 11, prosecution’s 18th witness gave his deposition against war crimes accused Yusuf. After that, tribunal heard incomplete cross-examinations of some witnesses, as the conducting lawyer was dismissed by the tribunal and a new defence counsel was appointed by Yusuf.
