Ghulam Azam case hearing

The first war crimes tribunal on Sunday began hearing the closing arguments in the Ghulam Azam's case with the prosecution taking the lead.

Chief Prosecutor Ghulam Arieff Tipoo led the charge repeating the historical context leading up to Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The context has already been dwelt upon in the formal charge and the opening argument.

The three-judge International Crimes Tribunal – 1, set up to try crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War, indicted the former Jamaat chief on May 13 for five war crimes including conspiracy, incitement and complicity.

Termed as the ‘spring board’ for vigilante militia groups like the Razakar and Al Badr in 1971, the 90-year Jamaat leader has been charged on 61 counts including one count of murder and torture.

Former Jamaat-e-Islami chief Ghulam Azam is being taken to the war crimes tribunal that began hearing the formal charge against him on Wednesday. Photo: nashirul islam/ bdnews24.com/ Dhaka, Feb 15, 2012

Prosecutor Zead-Al-Malum could only provide a broad outline while summing up till lunch on the first day. He is set to resume on Monday.

Defence counsel Mizanul Islam cited ‘personal grounds’ to pray for adjournement of the hearing on Monday. “I don’t want to elaborate on the matter. But considering that this is a special case I request that you skip out tomorrow.”

The Jamaat-e-Islami has called a country-wide daylong general strike for Monday. The Jamaat defence team refrains from attending court proceedings during strikes or other protests organised by the party.

The tribunal chairman Justice A T M Fazle Kabir said, “We are not going to adjourn proceedings for such matters.”

The judge suggested that the defence lawyers send in a junior to take notes. “But complicated issues will arise and it will be rather difficult for a junior.”

The judge reassured Mizanul Islam saying he would have ample opportunity to argue. “It won’t be a problem.”

The tribunal then pointed out that there were only five charges. “On the surface it sounds like a rather simple case though,” said tribunal member Justice Anwarul Haque.

The tribunal said it required the help of both the prosecution and defence. “Our request to both sides is that you give us an index of charges and corresponding documents and evidence. Then it would be easy to follow the argument,” said Justice Kabir.

Prosecutor Malum said the index will be submitted on Monday.