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Three high‑profile accused seek bail at int'l crimes tribunal
Dipu Moni, Kamal Majumder, Tawfiq‑e‑Elahi petition ICT‑1 for release
Three high‑profile accused seek bail at int'l crimes tribunal
Dipu Moni, Kamal Majumder, Tawfiq‑e‑Elahi petition ICT‑1 for release
Star Online Report
Defence counsels for three of nine high-profile accused produced before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 yesterday sought bail, arguing that their prolonged detention over alleged involvement in crimes against humanity, without completion of the investigation, entitles them to release under the ICT Rules of Procedure.
The three are former ministers Dipu Moni and Kamal Ahmed Majumder, and former prime minister’s energy adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury.
The defence told the tribunal that the accused have been in custody for over one and a half years, while the investigation agency has failed to complete its probe within the timeframe set by the tribunal’s Rules of Procedure-2010.
As per the rules, investigations must be completed within one year if the accused is in custody. Failing this, the tribunal may grant bail under conditions. In exceptional circumstances, the investigation period and detention may be extended by up to six months with written justification.
The three-member tribunal, however, directed the investigation agency to submit a progress report on the alleged crimes against humanity involving the trio and fixed July 26 for hearing on the bail petitions.
During the hearing, several other accused were also present in the dock, including former ministers Amir Hossain Amu, Shajahan Khan, Golam Dastagir Gazi and Abdur Razzaq; retired justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik; former Dhaka-7 lawmaker Solaiman Salim; and former home secretary Jahangir Alam.
Amu, 86, and Tawfiq appeared weak as they descended from the tribunal’s second floor using the stairs. Golam Dastagir Gazi looked dejected. Standing at the dock, Tawfiq told the tribunal he is in jail for one and a half years and he was not involved in the crimes.
Tawfiq’s lawyer claimed his client had no involvement in the alleged crimes during the July uprising and has been in jail for one year and seven months. He sought bail on those grounds, later adding that Tawfiq is now 84.
Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam told the tribunal that Tawfiq had guided the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina and that investigators were finding evidence of his alleged role in crimes against humanity. He sought six more months to complete the probe.
Kamal’s lawyer said his client has been in custody for one and a half years, was losing weight, and was undergoing treatment at a hospital. The tribunal asked authorities to submit his medical report.
Dipu Moni’s counsel also prayed for bail, stating she has been in jail for one year and five months in connection with alleged crimes against humanity.
Dipu Moni, Kamal Majumder, Tawfiq‑e‑Elahi petition ICT‑1 for release
Star Online Report
Defence counsels for three of nine high-profile accused produced before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 yesterday sought bail, arguing that their prolonged detention over alleged involvement in crimes against humanity, without completion of the investigation, entitles them to release under the ICT Rules of Procedure.
The three are former ministers Dipu Moni and Kamal Ahmed Majumder, and former prime minister’s energy adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury.
The defence told the tribunal that the accused have been in custody for over one and a half years, while the investigation agency has failed to complete its probe within the timeframe set by the tribunal’s Rules of Procedure-2010.
As per the rules, investigations must be completed within one year if the accused is in custody. Failing this, the tribunal may grant bail under conditions. In exceptional circumstances, the investigation period and detention may be extended by up to six months with written justification.
The three-member tribunal, however, directed the investigation agency to submit a progress report on the alleged crimes against humanity involving the trio and fixed July 26 for hearing on the bail petitions.
During the hearing, several other accused were also present in the dock, including former ministers Amir Hossain Amu, Shajahan Khan, Golam Dastagir Gazi and Abdur Razzaq; retired justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik; former Dhaka-7 lawmaker Solaiman Salim; and former home secretary Jahangir Alam.
Amu, 86, and Tawfiq appeared weak as they descended from the tribunal’s second floor using the stairs. Golam Dastagir Gazi looked dejected. Standing at the dock, Tawfiq told the tribunal he is in jail for one and a half years and he was not involved in the crimes.
Tawfiq’s lawyer claimed his client had no involvement in the alleged crimes during the July uprising and has been in jail for one year and seven months. He sought bail on those grounds, later adding that Tawfiq is now 84.
Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam told the tribunal that Tawfiq had guided the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina and that investigators were finding evidence of his alleged role in crimes against humanity. He sought six more months to complete the probe.
Kamal’s lawyer said his client has been in custody for one and a half years, was losing weight, and was undergoing treatment at a hospital. The tribunal asked authorities to submit his medical report.
Dipu Moni’s counsel also prayed for bail, stating she has been in jail for one year and five months in connection with alleged crimes against humanity.
