ICT orders ex-JP leader Jabbar's trial in absentia

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered to start the trial on war crimes charges, including genocide, against former Jatiya Party MP Abdul Jabbar.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 8 July 2014, 07:18 AM
Updated : 8 July 2014, 07:33 AM

According to the tribunal’s investigation arm, the 80-year-old former Pirojpur Mathbarhia MP is currently living in the US.

The ICT-1, headed by Justice M Enayetur, Rahim gave the order on Tuesday and set July 20 for the hearing on framing of charges.

The tribunal has declared Jabbar an absconder and appointed Supreme Court lawyer Abul Hasan as his counsel.

ICT prosecutor Jahid Imam told bdnews24.com that an arrest warrant was issued against Jabbar followed by a notice in the newspapers. Tuesday's orders came as Jabbar did not appear in the court.

On May 11, the prosecution pressed charges against the former Jatiya Party lawmaker.

He has been charged with five types of crimes against humanity during Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

Jabbar, son-in-law of a local Muslim League leader, was the founder of the ‘Peace Committee’ in Pirojpur’s Mathbarhia, the report said.

Investigations into his alleged crimes started on May 19 last year.


Charges against Jabbar

* Killing two freedom fighters at Mathbarhia’s Phuljhuri during the Liberation War. Torching and ransacking of over 100 houses at Nathparha and Kuluparha.

* Killing a man at Phuljhuri, setting fire to 360 houses before looting them.

* Killing 11 people at Pirojpur’s Noli village, looting and setting fire to 60 houses there.

* Forced conversion of 200 Hindus at Phuljhuri.

* Detaining 37 people from Angulkata and Mathbarhia, killing 22 of them and seriously injuring others.