IO testifies against 5 Kishoreganj 'Razakars'

International Crimes Tribunal-1 yesterday recorded the testimony of the investigating officer of a case filed against five Kishoreganj men who were allegedly involved in crimes committed during the Liberation War in 1971.

Ataur Rahman, also the 25th and last prosecution witness, exhibited several documents he collected during investigations.

Accused Gazi Abdul Mannan, 88, is the alleged commander of Karimganj Razakar camp, while Nasiruddin Ahmed, 62, his brother Shamsuddin Ahmed, 60, Hafiz Uddin, 66, and Azharul Islam, 60, are alleged Razakar members.

The five, all from Karimganj upazila, face seven charges. Shamsuddin, now in jail, pleads not guilty while the rest are on the run. Ataur said he started investigations on June 6, 2013 and visited crime spots, took statements of witnesses and collected documents.

He submitted the probe report and other documents on April 12, 2015 as the involvement of the five in the crimes were preliminarily proved, added Ataur.

The tribunal adjourned proceedings until March 1 when the defence counsel will cross-examine Ataur.