ZCZC
BSS-22
ICT-JUDGEMENT
Eight Mymensingh Razakars get different jail terms for 1971 crimes
DHAKA, Feb 11, 2021 (BSS) – The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 today sentenced three Razakars from Mymensingh to imprisonment till death and five others to 20-year jail for their crimes against humanity committed in 1971.
The three-judge panel led by Justice Md Shahinur Islam passed the order in a crowded courtroom, acquitting another accused Abdul Latif, 58, from the case.
Of the eight convicts, Md Shamsuzzaman Kalam alias Abul Kalam, 65, AFM Faizulla alias Abul Fallah alias Faizulla, 66, and Md Abdur Razzaq Mondol, 64, were sentenced to “imprisonment for life till biological death”. Of the three, Abul Kalam was present during the pronouncement of the judgement, while the other two were convicted and sentenced in their absence.
The other five convicts Md Khalilur Rahman Mir, 62, Md Abdullah, 62, Md Rois Uddin Azadi alias Akkel Ali, 74, Md Alim Uddin Khan, 77, and Sirajul Islam alias Tota Mondol, 66, were sentenced to 20-year imprisonment. Of these five, Md Alim Uddin Khan is yet to be arrested and was tried in absentia.
“Since the accused Md Abdul Latif has been acquitted of two charges he will be released at once from prison, if not wanted in any other case. Let the release order be issued accordingly. Prison authority shall take instant and necessary measures in this regard,” the tribunal said in its order.
Expressing satisfaction over the judgement, prosecutor Sahidur Rahman said the prosecution was able to prove all the four charges in the case and they are satisfied with the verdict.
When asked about the one accused, who was acquitted, the prosecutor said they would take a decision on whether to appeal against his acquittal, after getting the full text of the judgement.
The first tribunal on March 4, 2018, framed charges against the now convicts and initiated the trial. The court after holding hearing on the matter, kept the date of the judgement on CAV on January 26.
BSS/DA/MHR/GA/1644 Hrs