The counsel of Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam yesterday alleged that a witness had given false statement before the war crimes tribunal after being told to do so by the prosecution.
On Thursday, the first International Crimes Tribunal recorded the deposition of Ratan Chandra Das, 61, the 10th prosecution witness. Ratan, who used to cook for Rangpur Carmichael College teachers Sunil and Ram Krisna, described how some of the other teachers had been abducted by the accused and the Pakistani soldiers in 1971.
After cross examining Ratan, the defence counsel suggested that Ratan had not been present at the scene. The witness was asked whether he had recognised Azhar on that night. Ratan said the person looked familiar.
The court adjourned hearing in the case until April 27.
