Recording of testimonies deferred for 5th time

The Sylhet Speedy Trial Tribunal yesterday, for the fifth time, deferred the date to November 18 and 19 for recording testimonies of witnesses in the former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria murder case due to absence of two witnesses.

Earlier, the absence of the accused and their lawyers compelled the tribunal to reschedule proceedings on October 28 and 29, and November 4 and 12.

According to tribunal sources, the depositions of only six out of 171 witnesses in the case have been recorded since the process began on September 30.

However, thirteen of the 32 accused, including former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar, were present in the dock.

The then opposition lawmaker and Awami League leader Kibria and four others were killed in a grenade attack on a rally in Habiganj on January 27, 2005.