Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:
- Chief Prosecutor vs. ATM Azharul Islam
- Chief Prosecutor vs. Motiur Rahman Nizami
Today was the first day of a 48-hour countrywide shut down called by Jamaat-e-Islam. Due to the Hartal, our monitors could not safely travel to the Court to attend proceedings. The following coverage was compiled from official court records and communication with the parties to the proceedings.The case of ATM Azharul Islam was scheduled for charge hearing today. However, the junior Defense Counsel sought adjournment, saying Senior Defense Counsel could not attend the Tribunal due to personal difficulties. The Prosecution opposed the motion, but the Tribunal agreed to adjourn the proceedings of the case until 23 September 2013. The Prosecution had already completed their submission on charge framing.
In the case of Motiur Rahman Nizami, the Court had scheduled cross-examination of Sayeda Salma Haque, Prosecution witness 23. The Prosecution could not produce the witness, however, and therefore sought additional time, which was granted. Thereafter, the Tribunal adjourned the proceedings until 22 September.
The Bangladesh Trial Observer 