DHAKA: International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 Wednesday took into cognizance the formal charges brought against five razakars of Kirshoreganj for their alleged crimes against humanity in 1971.

Later, the three-member of ICT-1 led by its chairman Enayetur Rahim fixed May 31 for the hearing on whether the formal charge would be framed against them.

The accused are Nasir Uddin Ahmed, 62, a former army officer, his brother Shamsuddin, 60, a member of Kishoreganj Bar Association, Razakar commanders Gazi Abdul Mannan, Hafiz Uddin and Azharul Islam.

The tribunal also asked the authorities concerned to submit report if four fugitive accused are arrested.

The court also again ordered to local administration to arrest the fugitives.

On May 10, Prosecutors Sultan Mahmud Simon, Tapas Kanto Bal and Rezia Sultana Chaman, submitted the formal charges against the accused on Sunday.

Earlier on April 15, Prosecutor Sultan Mahmud Simon submitted the final report on Wednesday and he plead for more time to submit formal charge-sheet.

Seven war crimes charges including abduction, murder, genocide, looting and torture have been pressed against the five accused.

According to formal charges, they committed the crimes against humanity during liberation war in Sidyanagar, Aila, Fatehpur Beel, Fatehpur Beel, Piraton Beel and adjacent area under Karimganj Thana of Kishireganj district.

40 witnesses are expected to give depositions angst the accused, according to formal charge-sheet.

BDST: 1408 HRS, MAY 13, 2015
RS/SMS