Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following case:
Zahid Hossain Khokon
In the case of Zahid Hossain Khokon, the Tribunal recorded the testimony of Iaqub Mollah, Prosecution Witness 17 and Chunnu Sheikh, Prosecution Witness 18. Both testified in support of Charge 9. The state-appointed Defense Counsel cross-examined the witnesses. Thereafter, the Tribunal adjourned the proceedings of the case until 24 December 2013. Continue reading
Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:
ATM Azharul Islam
In the case against ATM Azharul Islam, today was set for hearing an application filed by the Defense for review of the charge framing order. Junior Defense Counsel sought adjournment for one additional day, saying that senior Defense Counsel Abdur Razzak could not appear due to “personal difficulties.” The Prosecution opposed the request. The Court asked the junior Defense Counsel whether he could assure the Tribunal that his senior would definitely appear the next day, if granted another adjournment. The junior Defense Counsel replied that he could not ensure the appearance of his Senior. The Tribunal therefore denied the request for adjournment, and rejected the petition for review of the Charge Framing Order, stating that the review petition had no substance. The Tribunal noted that it had already deferred the hearing four times. In denying the original motion, the Order of the Court concluded the charges had been properly framed on the basis of documents filed by the Prosecution.
Mobarak Hossain
In the case against Mobarak Hossain, today was set for recording the testimony of Defense Witness 1, the Accused. Senior Defense Counsel was absent, so junior Defense Counsel conducted the examination-in-chief. The Tribunal recorded the testimony of the Accused as DW-1. Thereafter, the Prosecution cross-examined Mobarak Hossain. The Tribunal adjourned the proceedings of the case until 24 December 2013. Continue reading
Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:
Zahid Hossain Khokon
In the case against Zahid Hossain Khokon, the Tribunal recorded the testimony of Kolom Sheikh, Prosecution Witness 16. State-appointed Defense Counsel then cross-examined the witness. The witness testified in support of Charge 6. Thereafter, the Tribunal adjourned the proceedings of this case until 23 December 2013.
Fakhrul Islam
In the contempt proceedings against Fakhrul Islam, Defense Counsel for Salauddin Qader Chowdhury, today was set for a hearing. However, Fakhrul Islam was absent from the Tribunal because he had been arrested on 20 November 2013 for alleged involvement in the leaking of a draft verdict passed against Salauddin Qader Chowdhury. This charge has been brought against him under the Information and Communication Technology Act of 2006. Today, 12 December 2013, junior of Fakhrul Islam appeared on his behalf. The Tribunal set 12 January 2014 for the next hearing on contempt matters. Continue reading
Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:
Mobarak Hossain
In the case against Mobarak Hossain, today was set for recording the testimony of the Defense Witness 1. However, the senior Defense Counsel for Mobarak Hossain was absent, and the junior Defense Counsel sought two days adjournment on behalf of Senior Counsel. The Tribunal allowed the motion, and adjourned the proceedings of the case until 11 December 2013.
Zahid Hossain Khokon
In the case against Zahid Hossain Khokon, the Tribunal recorded the testimony of Sree Rabindra Nath Datta, Prosecution Witness 10, and Sree Jogonnath Datta, Prosecution Witness 11. State-appointed Defense Counsel cross-examined the witnesses. Both testified in support of Charge 4. Following conclusion of their testimony, the Tribunal adjourned the proceedings of the case until tomorrow, 10 December 2013. Continue reading
Today the Tribunal heard matters in the following cases:
Contempt Proceedings
On 26 September 2013, the Tribunal issued a notice towards Channel 24 and others, asking them to give reply by 10 October as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them. The order particularly asked Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury and Mahfuz Ullah to personally appear before the Tribunal to explain positions they represented about the Tribunal on a talk Show on Channel 24. The Court further ordered that Channel 24 not broadcast the impugned episode again.
Today, 28 November 2013 was set for a hearing in these contempt proceedings. However, Mahfuz Ullah was not personally present before the Tribunal. Instead, he submitted a written reply through his lawyers. The Prosecution persisted in seeking the in-person appearance of Mahfuz Ullah before the Tribunal. The Tribunal agreed, setting 1 December 2013 as the date for expected personal appearance by Mahfuz Ullah. They further fixed 24 December 2013 for a hearing on the contempt matter.
Zahid Hossain Khokon
In the case against Zahid Hossain Khokon, the Tribunal recorded the testimony of Hafizur Rahman Chanu (PW-8) and Alauddin Sheikh (PW-9). Thereafter, the state-appointed Defense Counsel cross-examined the witnesses. Both witnesses testified in support of Charge 5 and 7. Continue reading
The Bangladesh Trial Observer 