6th defence witness testifies for 3 Habiganj suspects

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 yesterday recorded the testimony and cross-examination of the sixth defence witness in the case filed against three Habiganj men for allegedly committing crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971.

Accused Muhibur Rahman Boromia, his brother Mujibur Rahman Angur Mia, and Abdur Razzak of Baniachang upazila in Habiganj are facing four charges. The three, however, have pleaded not guilty.

The witness, Gias Uddin of Khussa Khagaura village of the upazila, said the accused were not involved with the Razakar Bahini, and in 1971, they were not in that localities, which were mentioned as the crime scenes in the charges.

Gias Uddin also exhibited the August 9, 2009 issues of local newspapers Dainik Provakar and Dainik Habiganj as defence documents.

Prosecutor Sultan Mahmud Simon completed his cross-examination, saying the witness gave an "untrue testimony taking benefits from the side of the accused".

Then the tribunal adjourned the proceeding until April 21, when one more defence will testify.