ICT-1
Mir Kashem's bail prayer rejected
Salauddin's counsel complete cross-examining Gouranga
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 yesterday rejected the bail petition of war crimes suspect Jamaat leader Mir Kashem Ali, stating that his physical condition was not critical enough to make him eligible for one.
Afterwards, the ICT-1 noted the completion of the cross-examination of the fourth prosecution witness by the defence counsel of another war crimes accused, BNP lawmaker Salauddin Quader Chowdhury.
On Kashem's bail, ICT-1 Chairman Justice Nizamul Huq said, “He may apply for benefit (special arrangements). We don't see any reason for bail.”
Adjourning the trial till July 5, the tribunal asked the investigation officer of the case to submit the investigation's progress report and the prosecution to produce Kashem on that day.
Kashem was arrested on Sunday within two hours of an ICT arrest order following a petition submitted by the prosecution seeking his arrest. The tribunal later sent him to jail.
The defence applied for Kashem's bail on Monday stating that Kashem had recently undergone knee surgery and needed regular physiotherapy.
The tribunal said though the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act 1973 had no provisions of bail, the tribunal could grant a bail considering health conditions as it had in the case of another accused (former BNP lawmaker Abdul Alim).
Kashem's health problems were “different in nature” compared to that of the aforementioned accused, said Justice Nizamul, adding that the tribunal had earlier granted different types of facilities to different war crimes accused.
Kashem, Jamaat-e-Islami Central Executive Committee member, was present at the dock during the order.
Salauddin Quader Chowdhury
The fourth prosecution witness, Gouranga Singha, was cross-examined by the defence on what he had said in his deposition on June 4.
On June 4, Gouranga, based on what he had heard from an eye witness, said Salauddin shot two to three bullets at Nutan a few minutes after the Pakistani occupation army had sprayed bullets on the man.
During the incident, Gouranga had hid in a bush behind Nutan's house and was able to hear gunshots, taking place in two intervals.
Yesterday, Gouranga, who is Nutan's nephew, said they had kept the doors and widows of their uncle's house open so as to see and hear beforehand the arrival of the Pakistani army at the Kundeswari village.
A member of the defence counsel, Ahsanul Huq Hena, suggested that Gouranga had not seen Salauddin arrive and come out of a military jeep with the Pakistani army.
“I saw him,” the witness said.
The defence counsel said Gouranga had given a false statement as the investigation officer had influenced him to do so. Gouranga answered in the negative.
The tribunal then adjourned the trial's proceedings till today.
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