Son describes father's killing

The fifth prosecution witness in a war crimes case yesterday described how his father was shot dead, linking the five alleged Kishoreganj Razakars to atrocities committed in four villages during the 1971 Liberation War.

Golap Miah, testifying before International Crimes Tribunal-1, said his cousin Golam Mostafa heard Nasiruddin Ahmed and other Razakars including Shamsuddin Ahmed, Hafiz Uddin and Azharul Islam had attacked Ayla village on November 13.

"My father was then working in the field and I was in my house...Mostafa asked us to leave the village. My father ran south and I joined him," he said.

The Razakars gave chase and Golap's father Mia Hossain fell on a marshy land. "I hid in a jute field...I saw Nasir shoot my father with his rifle," said Golap, adding that the Razakars left and he saw the body, which was buried that night.

The day before, Gazi Md Abdul Mannan led 70 to 80 other Razakars, including the aforementioned four, into attacking Bidyanagar, Ayla, Fatehgup and Kiraton Bilpara villages, he said.

The Razakars were angry at the villagers and freedom fighters, who demolished Preua Bridge early November while going to Chamra Bondor, he said.

The five and other Razakars killed 8 to 10 persons, including Abdul Jabbar, Abdul Mazid, Habibullah, Abdul Barek, Chandu Sheikh, Malu Sheikh and Aftab Uddin, and tortured the Liberation War's supporters before leaving in the afternoon, he said.

One Hashu Mia of Bidyanagar survived after being shot in the leg, added Golap, identifying Shamsuddin at the dock. The remaining four are on the run.

The defence cross-examined Golap and proceedings were adjourned until today.