On 23rd November, a witness listed by the prosecution to prove their case against Allama Dlwar Hossain Saydee deposed as Defence witness and claimed that Mr Saydee had no relationship what so ever with the alleged murder of his mother. Gonesh Chandra Saha deposed as Defence Witness No. 17. This was widely published in the press.
The most crucial issue which many press missed is that Continue reading
INTERNATIONAL CRIMES TRIBUNAL THREATENS DEFENCE COUNSEL
On 21 October, 2012, during the proceedings of ICT BD Case No.3 of 2011 (Chief Prosecutor v Motiur Rahman Nizami) at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (“the Tribunal-1”), the Prosecution Witness No. 1, Misbahur Rahman Chowdhury (Chairman of Islami Okkyo Jote, a political party which is member of the Ruling Grand Alliance) verbally abused Mr. Tajul Islam. Continue reading
On 17th October 2012, The International Crimes Tribunal No.1 has been specifically informed by the Defence counsels about the intimidations of intelligence personnel to the Defence Witness for Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee, the Tribunal failed to show any interest for their protection. They have specific powers under the Act & Rules to ensure protection for the witnesses. But that appears to only available to Prosecution witnesses, NOT for the Defense Witness.
The details of what happened on 17.10.2012 are given below Continue reading
ICT-BD. Dhaka. Case No 01 of 2011
Chief Prosecutor
Versus
Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee
Date: 11th June, Monday. 10:30 am
Sub: For Witness (Cross examination of PW 28, Mr. Helal Uddin) and Application Continue reading
A significant episode has began at Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The Defence has officially submitted documentary evidence before the Tribunal which conclusively proved that Prosecution Witnesses (PWs) whom the Prosecutors & Investigators have been claiming missing were infact in the custody of the Investigation Agency. The Tribunal based on their claim accepted the purported written deposition of those PWs as evidence. Now it has surfaced that those very PWs has publicly denied making any such statements against Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee.
Below is the description of what went on inside the tribunal. Continue reading
বাংলাদেশ যুদ্ধাপরাধ ট্রাইবুনাল এর বিষয়ে জাতি সংঘের মতামত প্রসংগে-সুপ্রীম কোর্টের সিনিয়র আইনজীবী ও আন্তর্জাতিক অপরাধ ট্রাইব্যুনালের ডিফেন্স টিমের সংবাদ সম্মেলন-
Barrister Abdur Razzaq, Senior Advocate of Bangladesh Supreme Court & Chief Defence Counsel, sitting next to him Barrister Rafiqul Islam Mian, President of Nationalist Lawyes’ Association and Advocate Tajul Islam, Defence Counsel Date: 15th February 2012.
প্রিয় সাংবাদিক বন্ধুগন, আস্সালামু আলাইকুম। আমরা আপনাদের প্রতি কৃতজ্ঞতা জানাচ্ছি কষ্ট করে এই সংবাদ সমে¥লনে আসার জন্য। Continue reading
ICT-BD.Dhaka. Case No 01 of 2011
Chief Prosecutor
Versus
Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee
7th December 2011- Examination in Chief of Persecution Witness No.1
(The Witness started the Deposition after taking Oath. He deposed in manner of giving Speech. There was little questioning from the Prosecution Counsel with Prosecution Witness No.1)
My name is Mahbub Alam Talukder, My age is 60, Religion – Islam.
In 1971 March Bongo Bondhu (BB) gave speech that this is now struggle for liberation. We should all face the enemy with whatever available. After this speech the general people of BD who were setting liberation get ready for liberation war. On 25th March the Pakistani Occupying Force (POF) stated attack in the name of Operation Search light in every part of the whole country including Dhaka. They carried out killing, looting & arsoning and general people, supporter of liberation war and Hindu people. On the midnight of 25 March 1971 the POF arrested BB. Before he arrested BB told that from today BD is a liberated country. After that the peoples and students of BD and supported for liberation started for liberation war. Many went for war training to India. May took training in different parts in Gerila training and collected arms and ammunition locally. They resisted POF and carried out Gerila attack in whole BD and killed POF. The POF had to take help of Golam Azam, A k Yousuf of Khulna, Khan Bahadur Afjal in Pirojpur to build up auxiliary Force of the POF. It was peace committee. The member of Peace Committee people ordered the Jamat Islam leader and supported to participate in peace Committee to kill the supporters of liberation war. later on Sekandar Ali, Danesh Ali Molla, Moslem Uddin Maolana, Ajhar Ali Talukder, Delwar Hossain presently Sayedee, Abdul Karim, Habibur Rahman Munshi, Sobhan Mawlana, Hakim Kari and others formed Parerhat Peace Committee. This peace Committee was formed by Mawlana Moslem Uddin, Delwar Hossain Primly Saydee, Mohshin, Habibur Rahman Munshi, Momen Hawlader, Sobhan Mowlana, Hakim kari & other including students of many Madrasha & members of anti-liberation organization. They formed auxiliary Rajakar force for POF. Moslem Uddin Mawlana, Delwar Hossain presently Sayedee, Habibur Rahman Munshi, Mohshin, Momen Hawlader, Sobhan Howlader, Hakim Mir & many students of Madrasha including the anti-liberation organization formed Rajakar force.
On the 1st week of May 1971 the POF came to Pirojpur. On 07 march in the worming. I was at home and heard from people that POF was coming to Parerhat and the members of Parerhat peace Committee were waiting in Parerhat Rickshaw stand to welcome them. I went to Parerhat Rickshaw stand and secretly following that the members of Parerhat peace Committee were standing. Few times later 52 POF came to Parerhat by 26 Rickshaws stand. The people of peace committee welcomed them. Delwar Hossain Sayedee (“DHS”) was fluent in Undu and as such he was talking with Captain Ejaj. They were taken inside the Parerhat Bazar and indentified the houses and shops of the supporters of liberation war to Captain Ejaj. Captain Ejaj then Ordered to loot. looting started. Since the situation was bad I went a bit far away. Latter on I came to know that 30/35 shops & houses were looted and distributed under the control of Mr. Sayedee. Makhon Shaha was big business of Parerhat Bazar and his shop was also looted. It was 22 sher gold and silver that captain Ejaj look by himself. Captain Ejaj named Parerhat as Sonar Parer hat finding such a huge quantity of Gold in one shop. On the north pool of Parerhat Modon Shaha’s shop was situated. It was also looted at the leadership of DHS. The shop and the house were taken away the other side of nearby canal to his father in Law’s house. The looted goods of Parerhat and gold was approximately valued Tk 15 lac which was used to create Five fund.
Nagar Bashi Shaha, Tarok Chandro Shaha, Beni Madob Shaha went to India in fear of their lives and DHS lead of looked them houses and formed office of five fund and DHS used to sell the looted goods in Nogor Bashi Shaha’s house.
He collected other looted goods to increase the five fund. DHS used these wealth to build up wealth in Khulna to Dhaka.
Later on in the Baduria, Chitholia village they looted and destroyed Manik Poshari and his brothers’ house. He also looted and destroyed by fire FF Selim Khan’s house in Baduria. Though Sekander Sikdar and Dannesh Ali Mollad was leader but since DHS was fluent in Undu he could build up a friendship with Captain Ejaj.
When DHS was studying in Alim class in Sharshina Madrasha he was restricted from the Madrasha after getting poof that he was connected with Jamat politics.
1.06pm Adjourned till 2.00 pm
2.25pm PW1 restarted
On 7th may after the incidents of looting as per DHS’s instruction they formed camp in Parerhat Rajlokkhis High School. The looted shop of Modon Shaha was later on recover from DHS’s father in law’s home by me and other freedom fighter immediate after the liberation war. I used to supply Secret information to the Shadrbam freedom fighter camp as informer.
The Sub-sector commander of scetor 9 Mejor Zia appointed me. The Rajakar and Peace Committee used to, Rape, look, Fire, Kill general people, kill the supporters of liberation war and Hindus by arms in every areas of Pirojpur. They used to forcefully supply woman to POF for rape. In different areas of the whole district I used to get information about these atrocities and supply to the Sundarban camp.
Before 7th May when POF came to Parerhat, the Rajakar camp was establish in Fakir dash bailding.
On 2nd June in the morning I was in my home. The witness Khalilur Rahman came to my house in early morning security informed me that you and the Awami league leaders and members in your house and listed by the peace Committee and Rajakars and DHS’s people will come to catch you.
I and the person who look shelter in my house were supporters of liberation war. I look them to shelter far away. I came to know from many people that at about 10:00 am the peace committee and Rajaker force in Parerhat including Danesh Ali Molla, Sekader Shikder, Delwar Hossain Sayedee, Momem Howlader, Hakim kari, Hibibur Rahman Munshi and many other unknown Rajaker took POF with them to Umedpur Hindu village near my house and attacked. They looted and destroyed houses of Chitto Ranjan Talukder, Johor Talukder, Bishabali, Sukabali Anil Mondol and others 25/30 houses and caused damage of tk 15 Lac. Bisha Bali was sick and they could Catch him and tied him with a coconut tree and beet him As per order of DHS they said that since we get him so shot him. One of the Rajaker shot and killed Bisha bali. Butane few moment when I know that they attacked Hundu Para, I secretly came to the nearby road bush with others and look Position. But when they shot fire, among us Mahtab, Altaf, Latif Hawlader and others ran away from that place and look position in a place far away.
On that day at about 12:00pm the members of Shanti Committee and Rajaker was comming to my own house. I saw that. Inside my house they put pressure on my brother Abdul Majid to bring me and other freedom fighter. When my brother denied, they tortured my brother and at one stage of they entered into the house and look away 10 tola gold jewelary and tk. 20000/- cash from my Almira. They took away 2 tola gold jewelary and goods of about tk. 3 Lac from my mother’s room and destroyed furnitures valuing Tk 30,000. There after they left the place.
Previously it was not possible to get justice for the claim against Humanity, war crime, looting, raping, killing Lacs of people in 1971. The presents Government decided before the last election that they would try the War criminals. The people of this country wanted trial of war criminals. That’s why they voted for this government. I filed a case in Pirojpur Court alleging war crime. The court directed the Indurkani Police station to consider my complaint as Ejahar (FIR). On 08.09.2009 the Ejahar was filed as the P.S. case No- 4. The investigator of the case is S.I Zafor Ali Hawlader. This IO (Investigation Officer) of the case investigated the matter but after long day they could not show any progress in the investigation. I came to know in Radio, TV, news that the International War Crimes Tribunal hab been set up in Bangladesh. The investigator of that tribunal will investigate. Thereafter, to get justice, I filed this complaint to the chief of the International War Crime Tribunal. The date of submission was 20.07.2010. I want justice and this is any testimony.
3.05 pm
H/A- You filed a complaint to International Crime Tribunal. Is this your complaint – PW-yes. [Ext- (1)] Signatures [Ext- 1/1, 1/2, 1/3]
H/A- Is it your signature?
P/W- Yes
H/W- It is available in main volume
ZA- TI please take note that It’s volume-1, Page-1 of the Document volume.
H/A- Exhibit of Seizure list
PW- Seizure list (vol-1, Page-14) dated 18.08.2010 time 11.00 am, Place- Chitholia village, P.S + District- Pirojpur. Seized from Alamgir Poshary Son of Sayzuddin Poshari. Description Of seized goods- 2 dhewtin, very old with damaged by firm. This is the Seizure list [Ext- (2)] this is my signature- (Ext-2/1)
Another Seizure list-
The date and time of Seizure– 18.08.2010 at 11.00 am.
Place of Seizure– Chitholia
Seized from- Abdul Manik Poshari, Son of Late Sayjuddin Poshari.
Description
of seized items– (a) 2 dhewtin damaged by fire with 15/16 damage signs.
(b) A wooden pillar of house with fire damage sign, very old and one door frame with fire damage wood. I was present at the time of Seizure. This is Seizure list [Ext-3] and this is my signature (Ext- 3/1). The IO kept these goods in my custody. This is the custody letter (Ext- 4). This is my signature (Ext- 4/1)
I.O also took pictures of this goods and others destroyed homes by fire. These are photocopies of four pictures (Ext- 5 series). My signature is below those photocopies (Ext- 5/1 series- with objection by defense as these photocopies)
H/A- Do you know DHS?
PW- I know DHS and he is sitting in the doc. (Identified)
H/A- Defense will now cross you. If you do not understand any question then take assistance of the tribunal and us.
Cross of PW-1 – Mahbub
11.00 am dated 11.12.2011 (Defence Counsel Mizajul Islam (MI) started the Cross)
The investigating officer Helaluddin before who I made my deposition is present in the Tribunal now. The Alamats (Seized materials) that was in my custody was in the house of Manik Poshari last Wednesday and Thursday. It is not true that after taking the Seized materials in my custody by handing them over to Manik Posahari, I have violated the rules of seizure list. I have seen the place where Manik Poshari has kept the Alamts (seized articles).
Manik Poshari and I filed two separate cases against Allama Delwar Hossain Saydee in the Pirojpur court. I cannot remember whether after filing the case, we gave interview before ETV and ATN Bangla.
I was informed about the Seized list by the investigating officer. This was between 11 am and 12 pm. Date was 8th May. Most probably the seizure list for Manik Poshari’s house was prepared at an earlier point in time.
It took about 15-20 minutes to prepare the seized list for Manik Poshari house.
It took 10-15 minutes approximately to prepare the seizure list for Alamgir Poshari’s house. The time of the Seizure list which I exhibited was shown to me at 11am. The seized materials were not placed in a bundle or label, nor did the I.O. place his signature on it.
Manik Poshari is Alamgir Poshari’s elder brother. It is the true that neither Manik Poshari nor Alamgir Poshari nor any person of their houses is a witness to the seizure list. It is not true that. There was no burn mark in the seized materials. It is not true that the seized Alamats were prepared for the purpose of the case.
On that day, most probably at 12pm, I went with the I.O to Selim Khan’s house. The photograph of Selim Khan’s house that I visited is a photocopy. The same is true with regard to the other photocopies. When the photographs were taken a photocopy machine was available in the relevant location. The photocopier machine was in the brief case of the I.O. The photograph of Selim Khan that is exhibited is captioned as “Seizure List”. The reference of the seizure list is not indicated in the said photograph. The date and time of Seizure is also not indicated in the photograph.
(Later stated): Seizure list in Selim Khan’s house was prepared after preparing Seizure list of Manik Poshari’s house. The location of seizure is not indicated in the photograph. It has also not been identified in the photograph that from whom the materials have been seized. Name and addresses of witness are not in the seize list but their signatures are there. No description of the seizure list has also been stated in the Photograph. It has not been stated in the seizure list as to who prepared it.
I have also exhibited photographs of the burnt wood and a shed of tin of Manik Poshari’s house. I have also exhibited photograph of Manik Poshari’s burn house. My previous statements regarding first photograph is fully applicable with regards to three photographs.
I have heard where Delwar Hossain Saydee has finished primary education. I have heard that he had been a student of Sharshina Madrasha. I don’t know in which year he got himself admitted to Sharshina Madrasha. It may be approximately (7-8) years before liberation. He completed his education in the Madrasha. I cannot say in which class he got himself admitted. Delwar Hossain Saydee studied up to Alim class in Sharshina Madrasha. The Madrasha is approx 20/25 km. Away from my house. It is in North Eastern direction. I have never gone to Sharshina Madrasha. I cannot remember the time of the principal of Sharshina Madrasha. At the time Saydee was studying there. I cannot recall the names of any of Saydee’s classmates. I cannot even recall the names of Saydee’s senior/junior classmates. I cannot say anything about the Madrasha’s Muhaddis (scholar). I cannot say anything about this Madrasha. I do not know who investigated into the matter of Saydee’s expulsion from Sharshina Madrasha.
I did not mention the fact of Saydee’s expulsion in the case I field before the Pirojpur court. But later I field an amendment (On 20/07/2010 I). (Later, the witness stated I did not file in the Pirojpur court. It is not true that I made the statement regarding expulsion just to humiliate him. I field only one application before the Tribunal.
The house in which I reside has brick walls with a tin roof. I have been residing in that house for the last 6-7 years. I inherited the land on which the building is built from my mother. I build the building.
It is true that on 07/04/2004 I made an application signed on 06/04/2004 to the Prime Minister thorough the Deputy Commissioner for financial assistance for construction of the building.
11:58am
Cross Continued.
PW1- took oath.
I may have applied on 19.01.2005 to DC. Pirojpur for Dhew tins as Poor Freedom Fighter. I received donation as per my fist application. I cannot remember the amount of the donation. I cannot remember whether I prayed for 5 bundle tin in my 2nd application. I might harm received help or my 2nd application. But I cannot remember the amount.
In my first application dated 06.04.2004 I applied that my house was looted by Rajakar and POF. I cannot remember whether I wrote in the said application that my brothers had taken away my houses in a separate place due to the fear of looting of POF with the help of Rajakers. I cannot remembers whether I described about my personal looted goods in the 1st application.
Defence Counsel Mizanul Islam (MI) drew attention of the PW to his1st application and wanted to exhibit this document through him
Prosecution objected that the defence document cannot be exhibited by a prosecution witnesses. According to them DW can only exhibit a defence documents.
Tribunal Chairman Mr Justice Nizamul Huq Nasim (Ch) to MI – You can drown attention to this letter but cannot exhibit by the PW. In my said application I did not allege looting of my house by POF with the help of Rajakar. But I stated that I was harmed by them.
PW-2 In my said application I did not allege looting of my house by POF with the help of Rajakars. But I stated that they caused harm to me.
Prosecution objected that Defence cannot ask any question on any defence document.
MI – This document is prepared by the PW1 and we have right to ask question from the paper which is signed by the PW1.
Member Judge Jahir Ahmed (JA) allowed to ask the question.
PW1 – It is not correct that in my said application I didn’t allege harm by POF. I cannot remember whether I allege any harm by Rajakar, POF, Albadar on my 2nd application.
My present occupation is commander of FF. I received allowance as FF and have house. Monthly allowance is Tk. 2000/- as FF (Pr. Objected on this question as being irrelevant). My present home is of 6 Katha with my brother. Other properties including home and land is about 1.5 or 2 Bighas (about more than half acre).
I am now living with my 2nd wife Rina Begum. My wife Rina Begum received a VGD card from government to get 30 kg rice, per month from January 2011. This is called as child card. It is not correct that I falsely said about the child card. It is not correct that I stated counteraction from the period of this Government. I cannot remember the time when I started construction of my house. I cannot remember whether at the time of liberation war 1971 there were Five Police stations in Pirojpur, nearly Pirojpur Sadar, Mathbaria, Bhandaria, Najirpur, Kawkhali, Sharapkhathi, The present Jianagar P.S was within Pirojpur P.S in 1971.
I cannot remember whether there is a police station called Nesarabad in Pirojpur. I cannot remember the name of Peace Committee president and Secretary of Mothbaria area. I cannot remember the name of Rajakar commander in Mothbaria. I cannot remember the commander of Alshams of Mothbaria. I cannot remember the commander of Al Shams in Mothbaria. I cannot remember the name of the officer in charge of Mothbaria Police station at that time. I cannot remember the name of 2nd Officer of that P.S. I cannot remember the name of Circle officer. I cannot remember name of any person of Mothbaria P.S. I was in charge of Indurkani and Parerhat area. My earlier statement during deposition that I was secret agent of Pirojpur is incorrect. No one thought me to say that I was secret agent in whole area and regularly supplied information to Sundarban about the atrocities (Prosecution objected as being irrelevant). It is correct that during liberation war I did not go to Mothbaria, Kawkhali, Uandaria, Najirpur, Sharupkhati as secret agent. But I had connection with FF of those areas. There was separate secret agent in Mathbaria P.S area. Mathbaria area was in control of Major Zia. I cannot remember the secret agent in charge of Vandaria area. Similarly I cannot remember the secret agents in charge of Najirpur, Kawkhali, Sharupkhati.
2:10 pm
Similarly I cannot say the name of Peace Committee president and secretary of Mothbaria, Vandaria, Najirpur, Kawkhali, Sharapkhati, Police Station area. I cannot also say the names of Rajakar commander of these area. During liberation war Pirojpur was within Barishal District. I cannot say the names of president and Secretary of Barishal District peace committee. I cannot also say the name of Barishal District Rajakar commander. The present Zianagar Upajilla is comprised with 3 Unions. This Zianagar Upajilla was formed during Khakeda Zia Government, but I cannot remember the date. I cannot remember whether it is in 1st or 2nd term of Khaleda Zia government. This Upajilla is constituted with Parerhat, Pottoshi and Balipara Unions. Shankar Pasha is one of the Union of Pirojpur Upajilla. Part of this Union is adjacent to our Union. I cannot remember the name of President or Secretary of Shankar Pasha. The adjunct area of Shankar Pasha of Parerhat was under the Peace Committee of Parerhat. I cannot remember that Ekram Khalifa was president of Shankar Pasha Union. It is not correct that I am Knowingly hiding this. It is correct that he was Chairman of that area at that time. I can not remember the numbers candidates in my area During the Provincial assembly election of 1970. I cannot remember the number of candidates in national assembly election in my aria in 1970. I cannot remember the total number of votes casted for Awami-League in my area candidates in those elections. I cannot remember the name of person who was elected as president of Pirojpur city corporation in 1974. I cannot also remember the name of vice president. I know Abdus Salam, s/o late Nabab Ali of Umedpur. He is alive now. I do not know Ashrab Ali, s/o late Skender Ali Forazi of Hoglabunia. I know Chitto Ranjon Talukder, s/o late Brojendro Nath Talukder of Umedpur. He is not alive now. He died a year ago. I cannot remember the exact date of his death. I cannot remember Yousuf Howlader, s/o Motahar Ali Howlader of Songkarpasha. I know Abul Bashar Montu, s/o late Imdadul Khan Khokon of Badura. He is alive now. I do not know whether he lives in the area. But I occasionally see him. I know Mizanur Rahman Vedu, s/o late Ashrab Ali Howlader of Badura. Hi is alive. I do not know whether he lives in the area, but I occasionally see him. They were named as witnesses in the case I file against Allama Delower Hossain Sayedee in Pirojpur. I cannot remember Mahbub Pashari, s/o Monnan Poshari of Chitholi. I know Jahangir Poshari, s/o Saijeddin Poshari. I do not know whether he is alive know. I do not know Kanchon Poshari, s/o the same person of same village. I cannot remember Horipado Mistri, s/o Churamoni Mistri of Chitolia. I cannot remember Jadob Chondro Roy, s/o late Modon Roy of Chitolia. But I know his father Modon. I cannot remember Mojahar Kha, s/o Chad Kha of Chitolia. I do not know Khobir Howlader, s/o late Tofayel Howlader of same area. But I knew his father Tofayel. Pirojpur sadar liberated on 8 December 1971. It is not correct that on that day Captain Shajahan Omar lade foredoom fighters to occupy/ take control of Pirojpur Pollice station. It was liberated by Major Zia Uddin. Major Zia Uddin’s second-in-command Mr. Samsul Alam Talukder and Adv. Samsul Haque are different person. I am foredoom fighters commander of Zianagar Upajilla. I sent corrected report to the Government as commander of Zianagar Upajilla. The caption of the report was “during the great liberation war of 1971 the POF and their collaborators Rajakars, Albadars, Al Shams committeed genocide, raid, looting, arsom, crime against humanity” I cannot remember whether this is the letter (the letter was shown to the witness from prosecution document valium number 3 page 202-209). The memo number of letter is G/Mu/So2011/18/ dated 02.02.2011. It is in volume 3, page 202-209 of prosecution document. On page number 209 there is a name and signature. It appears to be my signature. It is photocopy not the original one. On page 202, serial 3 it is said that there is no rape victim in Zianagar Upajilla.
3:05pm
Adjourned for tomorrow.
(the judges had a meeting and as such they adjourned the proceedings early)
10:47 am
Oath taken
Cross
I provided list of killed people by Peace committee at Boleshor Bedi (Killing ground). It is at page 209 of the prosecution document volume-3. (Prosecution objected to this question as the defence cannot question on content of the document which was not exhibited)
Boleswar Bedi (Killing ground) is the old Ghat (river port) of the Boleswar River at Pirojpur. Boleswar Bedi is now located in the present Pirojpur Sadar Upajila and not in the Zianagar Upajila. The name of Bishabali is stated at serial No.1 (of the list).
(Question by the court) :
Were all the people listed in Page 209 of vol-3 of the prosecution document killed by gunfire at Boleswar Bedi in Pirojpur.
(Answer to the court) :
Although the place of killing of the 26 people were not at the same location. We showed them all be killed at Boleswar Badi to show the total number of people killed, Pursuant to the letter of the Ministry.
At the end of this list in a separate description it has been stated that Ibrahim Kutti son of late Gotar Sheike, village Badura, Upajila and District Pirojpur was taken from his father-in-laws house at Parerhat, Nalbunia to a pole at Parerhat Bandor (Port), near a canal and soot and killed (Objection by Prosecution to this document).
(Court order that we cannot question on the content of document submitted by Prosecution)
12:00am
Question : Your report dated 02.02.11 as per the direction of Government is given correctly after understanding the truth of the contents of the Report.
Answer : I received the letter from UNO (Upazila Nirbahi (Chief) Officer). I submitted detail report after collection of detail Information. But when UNO told me that I will have to give short report then after discussion with UNO I gave the report with discussion with UNO. That was not my independent Report.
I cannot remember the exact date of request of UNO for the Report. But the Report request letter may be before one month of the Report. Before Subemitting this report I called a meeting of Zianagar Muktijodha Sangshad (freedom fighter’s association). I cannot remember the exact date of the meeting. There was a written resolution of that meeting. 8/9 person were present in that weating. There was no government officials as member of the Muktijodha Songshad. As such No Government official was present in that meeting. It is not correct that in the said report there is no signature of any government official at any stage of the report. UNO, Zianagar, Pirojpur was sender of the report to UNO. I was sender of the Report to UNO.
I did not pass Mattric Examination (SSC). But I appeared the SSC exam. The name of my Primary School is Umedpur Government Primary High School. After that I studied in Madrasha for few years. After that I was admitted in Parerhat Rajlakhi High School. I did not register for SSC from that school. After 4/5 years I registered for SSC exam from Balipur High School. In the said registration my date of birth is 20th March 1959, this can happen in education (Under age). It is not correct that I write my correct age in the said registration card. From 16th December 1971 to 14th August of 1975 Awami League Government that lead Liberation war was in power. Bakshal was in process at that time. Bakshal was never in action. From 16th December 1971 to 14th August 1975 I was in Bangladesh. During 1982 to 1990 the Ershad government was is power. I cannot remember the exant date. But he was in power.
During 1996 to 2001 Awami League lead Sheikh Hasina was in power. During 16.12.1971 to 14th August 1971 DHS was not in any post of member, Counciler in our area. He was a general people at the time. At that time many careers were filed under Collaborators Act against those who were involved in killing. Rapee, Arson, Looting. At that time there was cases against the collaborators. But I do not know the number of cases. During that period I did not file any case against DHS. I did not file any general Diary in any Police Station agentes DHS at that time. During the Ershad government that period I did not file any complaint agerint DHS to any authority. During the Ershad government I also did not file any case. G.D or complaint to any authority against DHS. Similarly during 1996 to 2001 where the preset. Prime Minister was in power for first time I did not file any case, GD or complaints to any authority again DHS.
1:00pm
Chief Prosecutor- Drew attention of the tribanal to Section 19 of the Act for expeditious trial.
PW-1 : I file the case in 2009 against DHS from my own initiative.
JA- Addressing the defence trial lawyer told that – When you will come to the main point.
MI- We are asking all relevant questions
Continuation of cross-examination after lunch.
Resume at 2:00 P.M
Oath taken.
The case I filed in Pirojpur was filed directly before the court. I did not go to the police station. I did not know before filed this case that the government had prevented Sayedee from leaving the country. I am not aware that Sayedee filed a writ petition before the High Court Division (HCD) of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh challenging the prevention of the Government. I do not know that the judgment of the HCD was in favour of Sayedee. I also do not know that a Leave Petition before the Appellate Division. I also do not know that during the hearing of the leave petition the Attornuy General started that a case may be filed against Sayedee. It is not true that there after on the direction and supervision of the Government. I filed the case against Sayedee. In that case I describe lim as Delwar Hossain Sayedee and not as ” at present known as Sayedee”. In that case the I.O (Investigation officer) sent a number of witness to the learned magistrate to record their statement under 164 of the Cr. P.C. The IO of that case went to my house. I gave evidence to the I.O. I do not know which witness come with me. I possibly could not present any evidence in support of my case at the time. On 20.07.2010 I submitted an application to the Chief Investigator of the Tribunal. I submitted this application myself to the chief Investigator in Dhaka. I did not know the chief Investigator. I came to Dhaka and contacted a colleague who informed me of the address. The name of my colleague is Mijanur Rahman Talukder. The application was composed in Pirojpur. The place where the application was compose is about five half miles from my house. I wrote the application at home and took it to computer composer in Pirojpur. I do not know the name of the computer composer. It is not true that the I.O of this case (Helel Uddin) with the aid of the Government brought me to Dhaka and merely signed the application prepared by him. I did not give any evidence after filed of the case of this case and before giving evidence today.
I did not make an application to give any evidence before the Perojpur court in 1992.
The people inquiry commission which was formed in 1994 to Identify war criminals, asked for evidence by newspaper advisement. But I did not make any application give evidence to such people’s inquiry commission.
I was not married in March 1971 when SK Mujib called for independence. I was first married on 04.02.1973. My first wife name is Firoja. She filed a case aginest for demanding dowry. I was convicted is that case. I have appealed against the conviction and am now on bail (prosecution objects). The case I filed against my wife was dismiss by way of compromise between the parties. It is not true that there was no compromise. I know Shvash Chandra Hazar. Although I was convicted in absentia in a case filed by Hazar, the conviction was sat side an appeal. I do not know whether I was present at the time of the judgment by the trial court.
It is not true that after the start of liberation war in 1971 the area was under the control of the all parts Liberation council. (council) The council was constituted in Pirojpur Sadar and not in the village. The chairman of the council was Enayet Hossain Kha, possibly. I do not know who was secretary of the council was. Could be Dr. Abdul Hai. The treasury of looted under the leadership of the council. For the purpose of arms. I do not know when it was looted. The ammunitions godown was looted I do not when it was tooted. I was not a member of any political pay at the time. I do not know whowere the political leaders of the area at the time. I do not speck Urdu. But I know when Urdu is spoken. If one of five people are seeking in Urdu, It be token that send person specks good Urdu. I did not read the papers in 1971. I do not know the days of meeting of Jamat at Khulna or Khustia. I do not know then the East Pakisthan Peace Committee was constuheted. To my knowledge the civilian / convenor of the Peace Committee was Golam Azam. I do not know the number of members of the committee. I know the names of few members of the committee. They are,
and other members of Jamat. I do not know when the peach Committee was constitute in Pirojpur. I do not know who is Razakar Commander of Pirojpur Sadar.
Afzal was the Peach Committee Chairman of Pirojpur Mohokuma. But I do not know who the Razaker Command of Peach Committee Secretary of Pirojpur Mohokuma.
To my knowledge in Zianagor, there was no member of Al- Shams and Al-Badars. I do not know whether Razaker force was a Govt. force but I know it was an auxiliary force of the Pak Army. I do not know whether the Razaker force was a Salaried force.
Before 07.05.1971 on 25.03.1971 I reactive at school field. There I was given the duty as a spy (secret agent). I was the given the duty to give and bring and take information to Sundaban camp before 7.5.1971. At the end of June 1971 i was formally given the duty to bring and taken Sundorban camp by Mejor Ziauddin, Awal and Modhu. Sometimes I used to take/bring information from the camp. But there was no fix date. I have personally been to the camp not less than 50 times (approx). The other people used to send to the camp for information where Shoizuddin, Raizuddin including….in there group.
The group to the Sundarban camp was difficult to access. The time taken to camp used vary with the circumstance. I could never go to the camp without obstacle. I do not know the minimum time it took to go and come back from the camp after the 40 years.
I meet Major Ziauddin and his friends from time to time. I always went to come Major Ziauddin. Mohiuddin Kalam was in-charge of the camp in absence of Major Ziauddin. I always meet him.
3.50 pm –
Adjourned for tomorrow.
(Prosecution objected in every question during the cross examination. Causing disturbance in the proceeding).
Oath taken
Cross Examination by Advoate Kafil Uddin
Sunderban area is not in my Pirojpur Area. It is a big area situated in Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat of Bangladesh and a part of India. I cannot say the exactly how big area it is. I cannot say how deep in Sunderban Major Ziauddin’s Camp was situated. I communicated with the Shoronkhola camp the most. His camp was situated in the already build building of the forest office. There was no hanging board in his office containing names of the area wise commanders of the freedom fighters. There was no identifiable picture hanging in his office. I did not see any typist or P.A. there. After 1971, in normal condition, it took about one day to go to Major Ziauddin’s camp. But at the time of tide it took some more time. There is no regular transport to go there. One had to go there in special arrangement by boat. I might have stayed there for one or two days for physical condition. I met many freedom fighters in the camp. In primary stage there was three camps there. Later on due to situation number of camps increased inside the jungle. I cannot remember how many camps were increased later on. I cannot say how many commander was under Major Ziauddin in the Sundarban camp. Major Ziauddin is from our area. His house is 5/6 miles away from my house. He spent his student life in Pirojpur. I know him from then. Now I have very few communication with him. During the liberation war I used to call him ‘Ostad’ (leader). I cannot say the name of the place where Major Ziauddin’s camp in Sunderban was situated. I was never attacked or hurt at the time of going and coming from the camp. There was no security protection like present days in the Major Ziauddin’s camp where I used to go. At that time there was no security chain or commander for protection of Major Ziauddin. Sometimes I saw Abdul Goni Poshari, Chunnu Khan, Goutom Hawlader, Sudhir Master, Shonkor Shen around Major Ziauddin in the camp. Major Ziauddin divided his force in many groups and sub-groups under authority of different persons to run the war. I cannot say the names of the persons who were in charge of those groups. He (Major Ziauddin) separated his spy section under a different command. Mohiuddin Kamal was in charge of that section. To my knowledge, there was no camp for the spy section. I cannot remember whether I knew freedom fighter Poritosh Kumar Pal during the liberation war. I have heard of Pangashia. I cannot remember what is Pangashia. It may be name of an area or village. I do not know Tambulbunia. There is no freedom fighter called Babul Gazi in my Parerhat area. Major Ziauddin appointed Shamsul Haq presently Advocate as freedom fighter commander of our police station area. But I cannot say who was appointed by Major Ziauddin as freedom fighter commander of my neighbouring police station area Ujirpur. Major Ziauddin appointed Aziz as Vandaria Police Station area freedom fighter commander. I cannot remember at this moment the names of other freedom fighter commanders in the remaining police station areas. I got normal training on spying from the camp. I took training under Subedar Modhu in Sunderban camp on the last part of June. I cannot say the name of the area where I took spy training in Sunderban. I do not directly know freedom fighter Abdul Mannan, Mojid Khan, Jahangir Bahadur, Habibur Rahman and Altaf. But I may recognize them if I am told the name and address. If I am not told the address I cannot say whether I met those persons during the liberation war. In my application dated 20.07.2001 towards the Chief Investigation Officer I did not say that Mr. Awal gave me the duty as spy. I cannot remember at what time on 8th December 1971 Pirojpur became liberated. I cannot remember whether it was morning, evening or night. I was with Major Ziauddin when he came to Parerhat after it becomes free from the enemies. At this time I cannot remember the exact date and time of coming to Parerhat. I cannot remember how many days after 8th December, but it was not 8th December. I did not read the book ‘Those wild days of Liberation War in Sunderban’ by Major Ziauddin Ahmed. I do not know whether in 2007, during the Caretaker Government, the Pirojpur District Council published any book called ‘Pirojpur’s History’. This is not correct that I know about the above book written by Major Ziauddin and the another book published by the Pirojpur District Council and since my said story are not contained in the said books and I am not identified/named in the said books, I hide the truth by giving statement denying knowledge about the said books. I have not read the book ‘Records of Liberation War of Bangladesh’ written by Poet Ahsan Hafizur Rahman and edited by the Ministry of Information. It is not correct that I wanted to hide the truth by saying that I did not read the book edited by Poet Ahsan Hafizur Rhaman since in the said book the true story of liberation war in Pirojpur was stated and there is no mention of my alleged events in the said book. It is not correct that on 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16th December Major Ziauddin lead to arrest the members of peace committee and rajakars and anti-liberation peoples in Pirojpur and that they were taken inside Sunderban by Steamer and killed by constituting killing squad. It is not correct that at that time Sultan, Sekander Commander, Sekander Shikder, Moslem Mawlana, Danesh Molla, Delwar Hossen Mollik, Sayed Md. Afzal and other rajakars were arrested at that time. But among these persons Sekander Shikder was arrested. The other persons were absconding. I cannot remember whether after liberation of the country many cases were filed against the Rajakars and the anti-liberation peoples. I have heard that nationality the renowned Rajakars who were absconding was cancelled. It is not correct that during liberation war I never met Major Ziauddin Ahmed @ presently Major Ziauddin and that at that time he did not appoint me as spy. It is also not correct that due to my above weakness, the honorable Member of Parliament Mr. M. A. Awal in collision with the higher authorities of the government caused me to file this false case.
I do not know whether there are 62 false freedom fighters in the country. In my complaint dated 20.07.2009 to the Investigation Officer of the Tribunal I did not name the accused as ‘Delwar Hossain presently Sayedee’. My statement to the Tribunal by correctly naming him as ‘Delwar Hossain presently Sayedee’ is true.
1.00 pm – lunch break.
2.10 pm – after recess
Delwar Hossain Sayedee was candidate for three times for member of National Parliament from our area and he was elected for two times. Every time he campaigned by pestering and attending public meetings with name Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee. After Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s winning for two terms, his opponent, Babu Sudhangshu Shekhar Halder, filed election cases for both term against him. In the said cases Babu Sudhangshu Shekhar Halder brought allegation of vote rigging against Delwar Hossain Sayedee. But he never raised any allegation about Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s name or him being anti-liberation person. I do not whether in the public meetings Sudhangshu Shekhar Halder Babu brought any allegation of Sayedee being anti-liberation person.
I do not know whether the victims of liberation war brought any allegation against Delwar Hossain Sayedee at the time of the elections. In the Umedpur Poll center in which village I brought the allegation of killing Bishabali, Delwar Hossain Sayedee received highest votes. In 2001 general election Delwar Hossain Sayedee received highest votes in our Tengrakhali and Parerhat poll centers. I cannot remember how many votes Delwar Hossain Saydee received in 2008 election. In 1996 election in parerhat area, in some places he received more votes and in some places he received less votes, but in total he was leading in the area. I have heard that in 1996 and 2001 general election Delwar Hossain Saydee received highest votes in Shonkorpasha Union of the present MP Mr. Awal.
I know Advocate Shohidul Alam Niru, Liakat Ali Sheikh Badsha, Habibur Rahman, Bahadur as organizer of liberation war and do not know Bahadur and Khosrul Alam. There was no freedom fighter called Abdus Salam Bachu. Khosrul Alam was not freedom fighter of Parerhat. I did not see Khosrul Alam as the freedom fighter commander of Parerhat. It is not correct that a big section of freedom fighters including my above named freedom fighters campaigned for Delwar Hossain Saydee at the time of elections and that before my complaint no one at any time brought any allegation of war crime against him.
I have heard that during liberation war S.D.P.O Fayzur Rahman was killed. I do not know whether Ms. Aysa Fayez wife of Mr. Fayuzur Rahman filed a case in Pirojpur police station about his murder. I do not know whether Aysa Fayez wrote any book in 2008 titled ‘Jibon Je Rokom’ (life as it is) about her history. It is not true that I wanted to hide truth by saying that ‘I did not read the book’ since in the said book ‘Jibon Je Rokom’ the events in Pirojpur during liberation war was recorded and there is no mention of Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s name. It is not true that before Delwar Hossain Sayedee had been addressing religious gatherings in the name of Delwar Hossain Sayedee. It is not true that after the liberation he is in the same occupation i.e. addressing religious meetings with same identity Delwar Hossain Sayedee. Probably in last June I was elected as Commander of Zianagar Muktijoddha Shangshad (Freedom Fighter Association of that area). Before me Mr. Abdul Latif was Commander of Zianagar Muktijoddha Shangshad. He had been commander of Zianagar Muktijoddha Shangshad since liberation war. After Mr. Latif, Belayet was commander. Previously, Muktijoddha Shangshad election used to held in every two years. But I have heard that now the duration has been changed, but I have not yet received any papers in this regard. Zianagar Muktijoddha Shangshad was established probably in 1974.
Before liberation war in 1970 I was student. Among the freedom fighter Habilder Shahid Alauddin, Habilder Shamsul Haq, Habilder Habib, Md. Abu, Captain Altaf, Dr. Jahangir, Md. Afzal, Hemayet Uddin Badsha, Nurul Islam, Mojibul Haq Mojnu, Shahid Asad, Md. Helal, Tipu Sultan, Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Habibur Rahman Shikder, Habilder Haq, Subeder Fulu, Md. Sahhid Khondoker, Shahidul Alam Badol, Habilder Fazlul Haq and others I met Habilder Shamsul Haq, Md. Abu, Captain Altaf, Shahid Asad, Tipu Sultan, Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Habibur Rahman Shikder during the liberation war. It is not possible for me to know the other persons without name and address. As per my knowledge Habiblder Shamsul Haq is the present Advocate Shamsul Haq. At present I have 4 children. My elder son is of 15 years. My youngest son is of 4 years.
Monjur Ahmed Ansari started to cross at 4.00 pm
My house is at Tengrakhali village. My village is west to the Parerhat Bondor (market). To go to our house one need to go through the road from Parerhat Police station and in front of Rajlakhi High School. Parerhat Bazar is straight to north and south. Parerhat bazar’s north end is Rickshaw stand and the south end is Kocha River. This bazar is about half a mile long. There are three sub-road in the bazar. In 1971 there were about 500/700 structures of shops and houses in Parerhat Bazar. In 1971 the road from Parerhat bazar to my house was soil road (not concrete road). My house is about one and half miles away from the north side Rickshaw stand.
We are three brothers. My brother Baten Hawlader lives in our parental house. My brother Abdul Mojid Hawlader is dead. He had 4 sons. In 1971 Baten Hawlader used to live in the same house in a separate room. Abdul Hi son of late Mobarok lives in our house. Jabbar and Awal are two others sons of late Mobarok who lives in two separate rooms of the same house. I and Abdul Hai are of same age. Awal’s age is about 50 years. Jabbar’s age is about 38/40. Faruk son of Late Motahar Ali’s age is more than 50 years. He is living in our same house. Jahangir son of late Lala Howlader’s age is 47/48. Mohsin son of Late Imrul Hawlader of our house’s age is 63. During liberation war in 1971 all the above named persons including me lived in same old house. On the east side of our house Himur Ali Sarder’s house is situated. In 1971 there was a family living in that Sarder house. Abdul Latif is ender son of that house. His present age is 45-48. I knew late Morak Fakir. He had two sons namely Ruhul Amin Fakir and Bone Amir Fakir. I knew one of the son of late Jinnat Ali Fakir of that house, his name is Jalil Fakir. His elder son’s name is Abul Hosen Fakir. I knew late Sekander Fakir. I know Shahidul Islam Fakir son of late Sekander Fakir.
I know sharif. Hemayat Uddin’s age may be 60/62 years. I know Salek Sharif of the same house. His age is about 52-55 yuears. I know Moslem son of late Hasem Sheikh of the west side of my house. His age is about 65 years. I know Salam son of Dolil Uddin of the same house. He is elder brother of my first wife. I know Hasan son of Ahmmad of western side house of my house. Hasan’s age may be less than 50 years. I know Aku Choukidar of the same house. He is no more. Aku Choukidar’s son is Abdul Aziz. Aziz Choukidar later on joined police. At present Abdul Aziz is in retirement. I know Anis son of late Moinuddin of the same house. I know Belayet of the same house. Char Tengrakhali is about one mile away of south-west side of my house in a different villege. Umedpur villege is situated at the western side of my house. Late Bishabali’s house was in Umedpur villege. Late Hasan Chairman’s house is south to late Bishabali’s house. Approximate distance may be 150 yards. Late Hasan Chairman’s son is Shah Alam the present chirman. Shah Alam’s another son is Abdul Salam Hawlader. Nazem Howlader’s house is east to my house and Bishabali’s house is east to Nazem Hawlader’s house. Nazem Hawlader and Kashem Hawlader lives in same house. I know Kashem Hawlader’s son Latif Hawlader and Afzal Hawlader. I know Nurul Islam Hawlader, son of Hosen Hawlader.
In 1971 very rarely rickshaw goes to our road. The road near to our house goes to the main bazar of Parerhat which is situated on the west side of the big cannel. The present bazar in the eastern side was not in existence in 1971. There were normal houses at that place. To go to Manik Posharir’s house from Parerhat bazar on have to take the road beside the canal on the eastern end of the Parerhat bazar and go towards south and again towards east and again towards south and then to cross a small canel. Manik Poshari’s house is about 3 kilo meters away from my house. It is not correct that it will be about 5 kilo meters by walk since the road is not straight.
Manik Poshari’s house is in Chitholia villege. The eastern side of the cannel near the Parerhat Bazar is known as Badura villege. Chitholia village is now a crowded place. Previously it was not crowded. The river side is now near to Manik Poshari’s house. Previously the river was 1/2 miles away from his house. I went to Manik Poshari’s house. I do not know whether Halim Talukder’s house is situated at the eastern side of Manik Poshari’s house. I do not know whether Moslem Uddin Poga’s house is situated at the western side of Manik Poshari’s house. Abdul Barek Khan son of Late Abdul Ali Khan’s house is situated at the western side of Manik Poshari’s house. Abdul Khalek Khan is brother of Abdul Barek Khan. He might have live in the house of Anwar Dorgi son of late Ismail Dorgi.
To be continued.
4.20 pm –
Adjourned for tomorrow.
(Prosecution objected in every question during the cross examination. At one stage Member Judge Jahir Ahmed said if Prosecution has any objection then only the Chief prosecutor should raise hand for objection).
10.40 (Defence Counsel Monjur Ahmed Ansari (MA) started to Cross)
PW1 take oath.
Shahidul Islam Selim Khan’s house is situated near the eastern side of the Canal of Badura Village. His house may be a little far than 100 feet from the east side of the bridge. I know Abdus Salam Hawlader S/o Ashraf Ali Hawlader. The live in the old house of Selim Khan. I know Mizanur Rahman Hawlader S/o Ashraf Ali Hawlader. I know Selim Khan’s cosine Babul Khan. Rajjak Khan Ukil’s house is situated at the north side of Selim Khan. He is dead now. I know his son is Abdul Jalil Ukil who is a fish trader. I cannot remember Mannan Ukil S/o Late Kofil Uddin ukil. I know the ex-member of Parerhat Bazar Majid Talukder, S/o late Nawab Ali Talukder. His age is about 70 years. Abdus Salam Poshari, S/o late Helal Uddin Poshari used to trade cotton in Parerhat Bazar, I know him. He is paternal cosine of Manik Poshari. I know Motiar Rahman Hawlader. But I do not know whether his father’s name is Farman Ali Hawlader.
It is not correct that the Parerhat Bazar was established long after the liberation. Motiar Rahman Halder had two shops in Parerhat Bazar. I am not hiding this truth as I am testifying for this. Late Asan Chairman and his sons Shah Alam and Abdus Salam used to come to Parerhat Bazar during the liberation war.
I know Hosen Kha, S/o late Altab Uddin Kha of Villege Badura. His age is about 65 years. I know Dr. Suvash Chondro Ray s/o of late Dr. Sotish Chondro Ray of Parerhat Bazar. Dr. Suvash Chondor’s age is about 57/58 years. His younger brother is a service holder in a bank. I do not know whether his name is Dulal Chondor Ray. His name is Dilip. Dilip’s age should not be more than 52/53 years.
I have three sisters, among them one is step sister. The step sister’s name is Fatema Begum. My two sister’s name is Matoara and rokeya. Matoara is immediate elder to me. She is married with Imdadul Haq of Tengrakhali village. My elder sister Matoara might have studied upto class five. It is not correct that her date of birth is 19.07.1957. My father was not alive during the great liberation war of 1971. My younger brother Abdul Mojid Hawlader was alive at that time. He used to cultivate land at that time. It is not correct that during the liberation war our family had a total of 6 (six) Bighas (2 acre) lands.
I was not present at the time of looting in my house. I have heard that they have destroyed furnitures and have taken away the goods that I have described earlier. I cannot remember/say the how much rice we could grow by cultivating our house lands. My elder brother was cultivating those land and I never bother to get information about that. At the time of 1971 the price of one Mon (37 kg approx) rice was between Tk. 15-30. It is not correct that since we were living on cultivation at the time of 1971, it was impossible to have Tk. 20,000/- (Twenty Thousand Taka) in our house. At the time of describing the looted goods I valued them in the present days. The present god price is Tk. 60,000/- per Vori (slightly more than 10 grams). It is not correct that my description on the value of looted goods does not match the 1971 value and the present value. It was an approximate valuation. In my testimony I said that on 02.06.1971 morning Khalilur Rahman informed me. Khalilur Rahman’s father’s name is Iman Uddin of Village Togra. It is not correct that this Khalilur Rahman’s date of birth is 13.04.1972. When the PW1 was asked whether Khalilur Rahman’s Birth Certificate or voter list contain his date of birth, PW1 replied, It may be – later he said – it may be if necessary. I know that Khalilur Rahman had some cases regarding lands. I do not know whether he is convicted in a criminal case and that the conviction was confirmed by the Appellate Division of the Honourable Supreme Court and that he is absconding in that case. It is not correct that my house was looted and as such the question of Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s connection with such looting does not arise. On 7th May 1971 I have heard from the persons who were passing by my the road in front of my house that the Pakistani Occupying Force was coming to Parerhat. I had heard this from persons including Motahar Ali, Sharif, Altaf, Latif Hawlader, Vemor Ali Sorder. I cannot say wherefrom they had collected that information. The time of my getting this information was 7 in the morning (Approx). After getting this new, I went to Parerhat Rikshaw Stand at about 9.00 am. No one was with me at that time. I met Horolal Kormokar in the Rickshaw stand. Previously it was announced to public by mike in the Bazar in the name of Captain Ezaz to deposit firearms. This is why I presume that the person leading Pakistani Army Force on 7th May must be Captain Ezaz. I did not knew Captain Ezaz personally before that. When Pakistani force came to Parerhat the time was about 10.00 am. They set camp in Rajlokkhi School at about 11.30 am. I cannot remember now whether I knew any of the Rickshaw-pullers of the 26 Rickshaws by which the Pakistani force came. I have heard from Motahar Ali Mohri about the looting of 30/35 shops and houses. The time of hearing this was about 12/12.30 pm. The shops owners told that 22 sher gold and silvers were looted from the underground of Makhon Shah’s shop. I was not present at the time of looting Makhon Shaha’s shop. It was known to public from one person to another that Captain Ezaz named Parerhat as Sonarhat (Gold place). I have heard from public that the shop owners were big businessmen the looted goods were valued about Tk. 15,00,000/-. Modon Shaha’s house was looted at the beginning of June, I cannot remember the exact date. But Modon Shaha’s shop was not looted on 7th May. On the day of looting Modon Shaha’s shop I was coming to the marked by boat. I was not personally present at the time of looting and torching Selim Khan and Manik Poshari’s house. I have heard from the public about the news of looting of the shops of Tarok/Varok Shaha, Nogorbashi Shaha, Beni Madhob Shaha and later I have seen this (he meant the aftermath).
It is not correct that Bishabali was not sick. It is not correct that Bishabali was not tied with a coconut tree and was not beaten and was not shot & killed when he was tied with coconut tree. It is not correct that the Pakistani Occupying Force (POF) abducted Bishabali and was shot & killed in the side of Bolesshor river. It is not correct that Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee was not present at the time of looting and blazing houses and shops of Bishabali, Anil Mondol, Chitto Ronjon Talukder, Johor Talukder, Sukabali with other 25/30 houses and shops and killing of Bishabali. It is not correct that Delwar Hossain Sayedee was not at all connected with the said incidents. It is not correct that Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee was not connected with the looting of shops of Makhon Lal Shaha and Modon Shaha and destruction of houses and looting of shops of Nogorbashi Shaha, Tarok/Varok Shaha, Beni Madhob Shaha and other 30/35 shops in Parerhat Bazar and establishment of five fund with the looted gold from different shops of Parerhat and looted goods of Tk. 15,00,000/-. It is not correct that Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee was not present in Parerhat at the time when the incidents in Parerhat in my testimony took place. It is not correct that Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee was not at all connected with the looting and torching the houses of Manik Poshari and Selim Khan. It is not correct that Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee was not even present in Parerhat or in any nearby place at the time of looting and torching of houses of Manik Poshari and Selim Khan. It is not correct that Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee was not present in Parerhat or in any nearby place at the time of looting of my house and looting of Bishabali’s house and killing of Bishabali. It is not correct that my allegations implicating Allama Delwar Hossain Sayedee to the incidents in Parerhat, Chitholia, Badura, Tengrakhali, Umedpur and others are completely false allegations.
12.40 pm to 1.05 pm – Recess – 2.10 pm to 2.45 pm.
(MA wanted to ask a question to the PW1 to show that some of his present allegations were not made in his earlier FIR (First Information Report) in 2009 that he filed before the Pirojpur magistrate court. But the Tribunal members did not allow the Defence to question on the Previous Inconsistent Statement – Detail of these arguments can be found in the proceedings of 15.12.2011).
2.45 pm
PW1 take oath
Question – At the time of your testimony, the statements that you have made regarding starting from 1971 liberation war and to the time of formation of Rajakar force, were never made by you earlier before submitting this complaint case.
Answer – I cannot remember whether I made earlier in any other place the following statements that are made in my testimony:
“In 1971 March Bongo Bondhu (BB) gave speech that this is now struggle for liberation. We should all face the enemy with whatever available. After this speech the general people of BD who were setting liberation get ready for liberation war. On 25th March the Pakistani Occupying Force (POF) stated attack in the name of Operation Search light in every part of the whole country including Dhaka. They carried out killing, looting & arsoning and general people, supporter of liberation war and Hindu people. On the midnight of 25 March 1971 the POF arrested BB. Before he arrested BB told that from today BD is a liberated country. After that the peoples and students of BD and supported for liberation started for liberation war. Many went for war training to India. May took training in different parts in Gerila training and collected arms and ammunition locally. They resisted POF and carried out Gerila attack in whole BD and killed POF. The POF had to take help of Golam Azam, A k Yousuf of Khulna, Khan Bahadur Afjal in Pirojpur to build up auxiliary Force of the POF. It was peace committee. The member of Peace Committee people ordered the Jamat Islam leader and supported to participate in peace Committee to kill the supporters of liberation war. later on Sekandar Ali, Danesh Ali Molla, Moslem Uddin Maolana, Ajhar Ali Talukder, Delwar Hossain presently Sayedee, Abdul Karim, Habibur Rahman Munshi, Sobhan Mawlana, Hakim Kari and others formed Parerhat Peace Committee. This peace Committee was formed by Mawlana Moslem Uddin, Delwar Hossain Primly Saydee, Mohshin, Habibur Rahman Munshi, Momen Hawlader, Sobhan Mowlana, Hakim kari & other including students of many Madrasha & members of anti-liberation organization. They formed auxiliary Rajakar force for POF. Moslem Uddin Mawlana, Delwar Hossain presently Sayedee, Habibur Rahman Munshi, Mohshin, Momen Hawlader, Sobhan Howlader, Hakim Mir & many students of Madrasha including the anti-liberation organization formed Rajakar force.”
I cannot remember whether my the statement that “after the liberation war I and other freedom fighters recovered Modon Shaha’s looted shop and house from Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s father in law and returned it to Modon Shaha” was made in my complaint submitted before the Chief Investigation Officer.
I cannot remember whether the statement that I made in testimony that Sector Commander of 9th Sector Major Jiauddin Ahmed and A.K.M Awal engaged me in the duty as a spy was made in my complaint.
It is not true that the following statements in my testimony are not in my written complainant:
“In different areas of the whole district I used to get information about these atrocities and supply to the Sundarban camp.”
It is not true that the following statements in my testimony are not in my written complainant:
“On 2nd June in the morning I was in my home. The witness Khalilur Rahman came to my house in early morning security informed me that you and the Awami league leaders and members in your house and listed by the peace Committee and Rajakars and DHS’s people will come to catch you.
I and the person who look shelter in my house were supporters of liberation war. I took them to shelter far away.”
It is not correct that my statement that “Bishabali was caught as he was sick” is not in my complaint.
It is not true that the following statements in my testimony are not in my complainant:
“I secretly came to the nearby road bush with others and took Position. But when they shot fire, among us Mahtab, Altaf, Latif Hawlader and others ran away from that place and took position in a place far away.”
I cannot remember whether the following statements made in my testimony are made in my compliant:
“The presents Government decided before the last election that they would try the War criminals. The people of this country wanted trial of war criminals. That’s why they voted for this government.”
The following statements that I made in my testimony are also made in my complaint, but are not said earlier to my complaint:
“Makhon Shaha was big business of Parerhat Bazar and his shop was also looted. It was 22 sher gold and silver that captain Ejaj look by himself. Captain Ejaj named Parerhat as Sonar Parer hat finding such a huge quantity of Gold in one shop.”
My following statements are never made by me earlier to my present complaint:
“When DHS was studying in Alim class in Sharshina Madrasha he was restricted from the Madrasha after getting poof that he was connected with Jamat politics.”
I did not say the following statements earlier to writing to writing the complaint of the present case:
“On 07 march in the morning I was at home and heard from people that POF was coming to Parerhat and the members of Parerhat peace Committee were waiting in Parerhat Rickshaw stand to welcome them. I went to Parerhat Rickshaw stand and secretly following that the members of Parerhat peace Committee were standing. Few times later 52 POF came to Parerhat by 26 Rickshaws stand and Captain Ezaz ordered for looting.”
It is not correct that among the statement that I made in my testimony “Latter on I came to know that 30/35 shops & houses were looted and distributed under the control of Mr. Sayedee.” the part “distributed under the control of Mr. Sayedee” are not in my complaint.
I have informed Major Ziauddin of the main incidents/allegations of the complaint. I cannot remember whether I have heard the name of ‘Tetulbunia’ or ‘Tetulbaria’ during the liberation war. I did not include Captain Ezaz as an accused in my complaint. It is not correct that Delwar Hossen Sayedee formed Rajakar Force and Peace Committee with others.
It is not correct that my statements in the testimony that “on 7th March morning I was at home, after getting information from other people I cam to Parerhat, 52 Pakistani Occupying force member came there by 26 rickshaws, Delwar Hossain Sayedee and others were standing there to welcome them, Delwar Hossain Sayeede’s talking with them and showing them the houses of the Awami League members who were supporters of liberation and the Hindu community by pointing finger” are false.
It is not correct that my statements in the testimony that “after looting the goods Delwar Hossain Sayedee used to sell them by himself and increased them with other looted goods. Delwar Hossain Sayedee used these wealths to build up multi-storied houses and wealth in Khulna and Dhaka” are false.
It is not correct that my allegations on oath before this tribunal against Allama Delwar Hossain Sayeedee are the biggest lie of the century.
Defence Counsel Mizanul Islam to complete the cross-examination of PW1 –
PW1 –
I did not mention the names of the persons that I stated in my testimony to have taken shelter in my house or names of any other persons as witnesses in my complaint. I think ‘operation searchlight’ means sudden attack. It is not correct that I was trained to give evidence in this case under supervision of the government. It is not correct that before beginning of war in 1971 to the mid of July Delwar Hossain Sayedee was not staying in Parerhat or any places of Pirojpur. It is not correct that from the middle of July 1971 to a long time after the liberation he lived in his own area in Pirojpur. It is not correct that in 2003 I was President or convener of Nationalist Freedom Fighter Party of Zianagar Upozila. It is not correct that since a list of fake freedom fighter has been prepared, I wanted to maintain my name in the list of freedom fighter and as such I filed this false case against Allama Delwar Hossain and gave false testimony in this case as per direction of the Present Government and its local MP Mr. M. A. Awal to continue receiving favour/facilities. It is not correct that due to filing this case I continue receiving allowance as freedom fighter. I receive allowances as freedom fighter and have been receiving other facilities from the government.
Cross Examination of PW1 finished.
http://www.amardeshonline.com/pages/details/2011/11/30/120164
মানবতাবিরোধী অপরাধের কথিত অভিযোগে আটক বিএনপির স্থায়ী কমিটির সদস্য সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী গতকাল আন্তর্জাতিক অপরাধ ট্রাইব্যুনালে বলেছেন, মরহুম শেখ মুজিবুর রহমানকে পাকিস্তানি সেনাবাহিনী ধরে নিয়ে গিয়েছিল। তার গায়ে একটি আঁচড়ও তারা দেয়নি। আমি ৩২ বছর ধরে সংসদ সদস্য। আমার গায়ে হাত দেয়ার স্পর্ধা বাংলাদেশের আইনশৃঙ্খলা বাহিনী কোথায় পেল? তিনি ট্রাইব্যুনালকে উদ্দেশ করে বলেন, আমাকে আজরাইলের ভয় দেখিয়ে লাভ নেই। ‘আমি রাজাকার নই, কোথাও আমার নাম ছিল না। মইনউদ্দিন-ফখরুদ্দীন হঠাত্ ক্ষমতায় এসে আমাকে যুদ্ধাপরাধী বানিয়ে দিল। ফজলুল কাদের চৌধুরীর ছেলে হওয়ার কারণে আমি আজ ধরা খেয়েছি। তিনি আরও বলেন, আমার ফাঁসিও হতে পারে।
কিন্তু আমি কিছু প্রশ্ন উত্থাপন করছি। যদি ট্রাইব্যুনালের রায়ে এসব প্রশ্নের জবাব পাই তবে সন্তুষ্টি নিয়ে মরতে পারব। তিনি আরও বলেন, সংবিধানের পঞ্চদশ সংশোধনীর ৭ (ক) অনুযায়ী কেউ যদি সংবিধান লঙ্ঘন করে অথবা সংবিধানের প্রতি জনগণের আস্থা নষ্ট করার উদ্যোগ নেয় তবে তিনি রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহিতার জন্য দোষী হবেন। তিনি বলেন, এটি আন্তর্জাতিক আদালত। কিন্তু আপনার সামনে একটি মাইক্রোফোন ছাড়া আর কিছুই আন্তর্জাতিক মানের দেখতে পাচ্ছি না।
গতকাল সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী আন্তর্জাতিক অপরাধ ট্রাইব্যুনালের বিরুদ্ধে রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহিতার অভিযোগ এনে ওই মামলা স্থগিত চেয়ে আবেদনের শুনানিকালে এসব কথা বলেন। শুনানি আজ বুধবার পর্যন্ত স্থগিত করেছে ট্রাইব্যুনাল।
গতকাল বেলা ১১টা ১০ মিনিটে এ আবেদনের শুনানি শুরু হয়। এর আগে সকাল সাড়ে দশটায় সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরীকে গাজীপুরের কাশিমপুর কারাগার থেকে একটি প্রিজনভ্যানে ট্রাইব্যুনালে হাজির করা হয়। গত ২৪ নভেম্বর এ পিটিশন দাখিল করেন তিনি। গতকাল এর শুনানির তারিখ নির্ধারিত ছিল। এদিকে সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী নিজেই আবেদনের শুনানিতে অংশ নেন। সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী প্রথমে ৫৬ দফা পিটিশন পড়ে শোনান। এরপর আধঘণ্টার বেশি তিনি বক্তব্য দেন। সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী চেয়ারম্যানকে উদ্দেশ করে বলেন, আপনি সফলভাবে আমার আইনজীবীদের তাড়িয়ে দিতে সক্ষম হয়েছেন। তাদের একজনের বিরুদ্ধে এরই মধ্যে রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহ মামলা হয়েছে। তিনি জামিন নিতে গেছেন। আমি নিজেই শুনানি করব। তখন ট্রাইব্যুনাল বলেন, আমরা কিভাবে আপনার আইনজীবীদের তাড়িয়ে দিয়েছি? জবাবে সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের বলেন, আপনি আমার ৩৫ জন আইনজীবীকে ট্রাইব্যুনালে প্রবেশ করতে দেননি। তখন ট্রাইব্যুনাল বলেন, আমরা তো বলেই দিয়েছি ১০ জনের বেশি প্রবেশ করতে পারবেন না। জবাবে সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের বলেন, কোন আইন বলে আপনি এটা করেছেন। ওই সময় ট্রাইব্যুনাল এ সংক্রান্ত রুলস দেখান। তখন তিনি বলেন, আইন লঙ্ঘন করে কোনো রুলস হতে পারে না। হাত-পা বেধে সাঁতার কাটা যায় না। তখন ট্রাইব্যুনাল বলেন, মি. চৌধুরী, এটা কোনো ফানি প্লেস না। এটা আদালত। সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের দুঃখ প্রকাশ করে বলেন, আমি আপনাদের শুভাকাঙ্ক্ষী। আপনাদের বিরুদ্ধে আমার কোনো অভিযোগ নেই। আপনাদের দু’জন হাইকোর্টের বিচারপতি। আরেকজন হাইকোর্টের বিচারপতি হওয়ার যোগ্য। আপনাদের প্রতি আমি অত্যন্ত শ্রদ্ধাশীল। এ সময় আদালতের কাছে এ শুনানিতে ড. কামাল হোসেনের মতো অ্যামিকাস কিউরি নিয়োগেরও দাবি জানান তিনি। একপর্যায়ে সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী আদালতে বলেন, আমার বক্তব্য রেকর্ড হচ্ছে কিনা? চেয়ারম্যান বলেন, ‘না, এখনও হচ্ছে না’। তখন সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী বলেন, এটি আন্তর্জাতিক আদালত। কিন্তু আপনার সামনে একটি মাইক্রোফোন ছাড়া আর কিছুই দেখতে পাচ্ছি না। বিবিসির খবরে শুনেছি, একজন প্রশ্ন তুলেছে, এই ট্রাইব্যুনাল কোনো আদালত কিনা। এরপর তিনি বলেন, এটি যদি বাংলাদেশের অভ্যন্তরীণ আদালত হয়ে থাকে তাহলে দেশের অন্যান্য বিচারের ক্ষেত্রে প্রযোজ্য কার্যপ্রণালী বিধি মানতে হবে।
তিনি চেয়ারম্যানকে লক্ষ্য করে বলেন, ‘স্যার, আজকের পত্রিকায় দেখলাম, ১৯৯৪ সালে গণআদালতের গণতদন্ত কমিশন সেক্রেটারিয়েটে আপনার নাম ছিল। কিন্তু রাজাকার, আল-বদর, আল-শামসসহ পাকিস্তানের কোনো সশস্ত্রবাহিনী বা সহায়ক বাহিনীতে আমার নাম ছিল না। তবে একটি জায়গায় আমি ধরা খেয়ে গেছি। ওই যে পিতার কোলে আমার জন্ম হয়েছে, যিনি আমার জন্মের পর খাসি দিয়ে আমার আকিকা করেছিলেন, ওইখানেই আমি ধরা খেয়েছি। নতুবা আমার চাচাতো বোনের (শেখ হাসিনা) সঙ্গে আমার কোনো শত্রুতা ছিল না। অথচ মইনউদ্দিন-ফখরুদ্দীন হঠাত্ ক্ষমতায় এসে আমাকে যুদ্ধাপরাধী বানিয়ে দিল। ‘আমি রাজাকার নই, কোথাও আমার নাম ছিল না।’
তিনি বলেন, হাইকোর্টের বিচারকদের অন্তর্নিহিত ক্ষমতা রয়েছে। তারা যেখানেই যান সেখানেই তাদের এ ক্ষমতা থাকে। অতীতে সিলেট রেলওয়ে স্টেশনে একজন বিচারপতি আদালত বসিয়েছিলেন। গাড়িতে পতাকা দেখার পরও স্যালুট না করায় পুলিশের বিরুদ্ধে আদালত অবমাননা রুল হয়েছিল। এতে প্রমাণ হয় অন্তর্নিহিত ক্ষমতা সবখানেই প্রয়োগ করা যায়। তিনি বলেন, ১৯৭৩ সালে সংবিধানে ৪৭ অনুচ্ছেদ সংযুক্ত হয়েছিল। ওই বছরই আন্তর্জাতিক অপরাধ ট্রাইব্যুনাল আইন পাস হয়েছিল। ওই আইন পাসের প্রায় ৩৬ বছর পর ২০০৯ সালে আইনের সংশোধন হয়। এতে ব্যক্তি ও ব্যক্তিবর্গ শব্দ সংযুক্ত হয়। এ সংশোধনীর মাধ্যমে ১৫ কোটি মানুষের মানবাধিকার খর্ব করা হয়েছে। অসত্ রাজনৈতিক উদ্দেশে এটা করা হয়েছে। এটি সংবিধানের ৪৭ অনুচ্ছেদের পরিষ্কার লঙ্ঘন। আর এর দুই বছর পর সংবিধানের পঞ্চদশ সংশোধনীর মাধ্যমে ব্যক্তি ও ব্যক্তিবর্গ শব্দগুলোকে সুরক্ষা দেয়া হয়েছে। এ যেন আগে সন্তান হয়ে গেছে। পরে সন্তানকে জায়েজ করার জন্য বাবার বিয়ে হলো। তিনি বলেন, সংবিধানের ৯৪(৩) অনুচ্ছেদ বলছে, প্রধান বিচারপতি ও আপিল বিভাগের অন্য বিচারপতিরা আপিল বিভাগে এবং হাইকোর্ট বিভাগের বিচারপতিরা হাইকোর্টে আসন গ্রহণ করবেন। সংবিধান অনুযায়ী আপনারা হাইকোর্টে আসন গ্রহণ করবেন। অথচ আপনারা ট্রাইব্যুনালে আসন গ্রহণ করছেন। সংবিধানের পঞ্চদশ সংশোধনীর ৭ (ক) অনুযায়ী, কেউ যদি সংবিধান লঙ্ঘন করে অথবা সংবিধানের প্রতি জনগণের আস্থা নষ্ট করার উদ্যোগ নেয় তবে তিনি রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহিতার জন্য দোষী হবেন। সংবিধানের এ বিধান বাংলাদেশের প্রতিটি নাগরিকের ক্ষেত্রে প্রযোজ্য। একথা বলতে খুবই বিব্রত যে, আমি এ ট্রাইব্যুনালের বিচারক এবং ট্রাইব্যুনালে যারা আছেন সবাই রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহিতার জন্য দোষী। এসব কথা বলতে আমি খুবই বিব্রত। কারণ, আমি ফজলুল কাদের চৌধুরীর সন্তান। যিনি মরহুম শেখ মুজিবুর রহমানের আগরতলা ষড়যন্ত্র মামলার আইনজীবী ছিলেন।
সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের বলেন, সংবিধান লঙ্ঘন করে ট্রাইব্যুনালের আইন সংশোধন হয়েছে। আইন লঙ্ঘন করে বিধি তৈরি করা হয়েছে। সংবিধানের ২৬(২) অনুচ্ছেদ অনুযায়ী, কোনো আইন সংবিধানের সঙ্গে সাংঘর্ষিক হলে তা বাতিল হয়ে যাবে। তার জন্য কোনো ঘোষণার প্রয়োজন হবে না। তিনি বলেন, লাখো শহীদের বিনিময়ে স্বাধীন হয়ে গেছে একথা বায়তুল মোকাররমে বলা যায়। আদালত, এখানে একথা বলা যায় না। এখানে কথা বলতে হবে আইন ও যুক্তির ভাষায়। তিনি বলেন, আমি সংসদ সদস্য হিসেবে শপথ নিয়েছি। আমার শপথে সংবিধান রক্ষার কোনো কথা বলা নেই। কারণ, সংসদ সদস্যদের সংবিধান সংশোধনের ব্যাপারে সিদ্ধান্ত দিতে হয়। কিন্তু আপনারা, বিচারপতিরা সংবিধানের রক্ষণ, সমর্থন ও নিরাপত্তা বিধানের শপথ নিয়েছেন। নিয়তির নির্মম পরিহাস এই যে, আপনাদের শপথ রক্ষার্থে আমাকে আবেদনপত্র দিতে হয়েছে। সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী বলেন, আমার ওপর নির্যাতন হয়েছে। যা আগেই বলেছিলাম। আইনশৃঙ্খলা বাহিনী সেই স্পর্ধা কোথায় পেল তার জবাবের ভার আমি মাননীয় প্রধানমন্ত্রী, ট্রাইব্যুনাল ও দেশের জনগণের ওপর ছেড়ে দিলাম।
সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী বলেন, এতো তাড়াহুড়ার কিছু নেই। আমার আবেদন হয়তো খারিজ হবে। ট্রাইব্যুনাল বলেন, আপনার আইনজীবীকে নির্দেশ দেয়া হয়েছিল প্রসিকিউশনের জমা দেয়া ডকুমেন্ট নিয়ে যেতে। কিন্তু তা নেয়া হয়নি। জবাবে সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী বলেন, আপনি চেম্বারে বসে আমার মামলা আমলে নেয়ার আদেশ দিয়েছেন। সেটা আপনার ও প্রসিকিউশনের প্রাইভেট ম্যাটার। আমি মামলা আমলে নেয়ার ব্যাপারে আবেদন দিয়েছি। সে আবেদন নিষ্পত্তি না করা পর্যন্ত আমি কোনো ডকুমেন্ট নেব না। ট্রাইব্যুনাল বলেন, ডকুমেন্ট না নিলে আপনারই ক্ষতি। তিনি ট্রাইব্যুনালকে উদ্দেশ করে বলেন, আপনার চুল সাদা হয়ে গেছে, আর আমার চুল তো পড়ে গেছে। ৬৩ বছর বয়স হয়ে গেছে আমার। তাই আমাকে আর আজরাইলের ভয় দেখিয়ে লাভ নেই। এরপর সালাউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরীর কাছে আদালত জানতে চান, তার আর কত সময় প্রয়োজন। তিনি তখন আরও চার-পাঁচ ঘণ্টা সময় লাগবে বলে উল্লেখ করেন। আদালত বিরতির পর আবারও শুনানি করতে চাইলে তিনি অসুস্থতার জন্য তাতে অপারগতা প্রকাশ করেন। এর পরিপ্রেক্ষিতে আদালত আজ সাড়ে দশটায় আবার শুনানির সময় নির্ধারণ করেন।
সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরীর আবেদন
ট্রাইব্যুনালের বিরুদ্ধে রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহিতার অভিযোগ
নিজস্ব প্রতিবেদক
১৯৭১ সালে মানবতাবিরোধী অপরাধের বিচারের লক্ষ্যে গঠিত ট্রাইব্যুনালের বিরুদ্ধে রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহের অভিযোগ এনে একটি আবেদন দায়ের করেছেন যুদ্ধাপরাধের অভিযোগে আটক বিএনপি স’ায়ী কমিটির সদস্য অভিজ্ঞ পার্লামেন্টারিয়ান সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী। আবেদনে তিনি বলেন, এই ট্রাইব্যুনালের সব কার্যক্রম, সব আদেশ নির্দেশ ও সব বিধিবিধান অবৈধ ও রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহিতার শামিল। এই আদালত কর্তৃক তাকে আটক রাখাও অবৈধ হিসেবে উল্লেখ করেন তিনি।
গত বুধবার ট্রাইব্যুনালে দায়ের করা আবেদনে সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী বলেন, গত ৩ জুলাই থেকে কার্যকর হওয়া সংশোধিত সংবিধানে রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহের বিষয়ে যে বিধান (৭-ক) রাখা হয়েছে তাতে বাংলাদেশের সব কিছুই এখন রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহের মধ্যে পড়ে। তার মধ্যে এই ট্রাইব্যুনালও রয়েছে। সুপ্রিম কোর্টের যে দু’জন বিচারপতিকে এই ট্রাইব্যুনালে নিয়োগ দেয়া হয়েছে তাও সংবিধান অনুযায়ী অবৈধ।
আবেদনে তিনি বলেন, যেহেতু এই আদালতের সব কার্যক্রম রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহিতার পর্যায়ে পড়ে তাই এই আদালতের বিচারকাজে অংশ নেয়ার মাধ্যমে তিনি নিজে রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহিতার মধ্যে জড়াতে চান না। সংবিধানের সাত (ক) ধারায় বলা হয়েছে সংবিধান লঙ্ঘন করা রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহিতার শামিল। এই ট্রাইব্যুনালের গঠন হয়েছে সংবিধান লঙ্ঘন করে।
তিনি বলেন, ২০০৯ সালে ১৯৭৩ সালের আইনে যে সংশোধনী আনা হয়েছে তাও অবৈধ।
সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী বলেন, এই ট্রাইব্যুনালে তিনজন বিচারপতির মধ্যে দু’জন সুপ্রিম কোর্টের বিচারপতি। তারা হলেন- ট্রাইব্যুনালের চেয়ারম্যান বিচারপতি নিজামুল হক ও অপর বিচারপতি এ টি এম ফজলে কবির। সংবিধানের ৯৪ (৩) ধারা মতে, প্রধান বিচারপতি ও আপিল বিভাগের বিচারপতিরা আপিল বিভাগে বসবেন। সুপ্রিম কোর্টের অন্য বিচারপতিরা হাইকোর্টে বসবেন।
তিনি বলেন, সংবিধানের এই ধারা মোতাবেক হাইকোর্টের বিচারপতিদের হাইকোর্টের বাইরে অন্য কোথাও বসার বিধান নেই। কিন’ সংবিধানের ৯৪ (৩) ধারা লঙ্ঘন করে অবৈধভাবে এই দুই বিচারপতিকে ট্রাইব্যুনালে নিয়োগ দেয়া হয়েছে। এই দুই বিচারপতিকে হাইকোর্টের বাইরে ট্রাইব্যুনালে নিয়োগ দিয়ে ২০১০ সালের ২৫ মার্চ আইন মন্ত্রণালয় থেকে যে গেজেট প্রকাশ করা হয়েছে তা বিচার বিভাগের স্বাধীনতার প্রতি যেমন চরম আঘাত, তেমনি সংবিধানেরও লঙ্ঘন।
সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী আবেদনে বলেন, ২০০৯ সালে ১৯৭৩ সালের আইনের যে সংশোধনী পাস করা হয়েছে তাও সংবিধানবিরোধী এবং অবৈধ। ১৯৭৩ সালের আইনটি করা হয়েছিল পাকিস্তানি ১৯৫ জন সেনাকর্মকর্তার বিচারের জন্য। আইনের মাধ্যমে পাকিস্তানি আর্মড ফোর্সেস বা ডিফেন্স এবং অক্সিলিয়ারি ফোর্সের সদস্যদের বিচারের কথা উল্লেখ করা হয়েছে। কিন’ তিনি নিজে ওই জাতীয় কোনো বাহিনীর সদস্য ছিলেন না। অথচ ২০০৯ সালে যে সংশোধনী আনা হয়েছে তাতে ‘ইন্ডিভিজুয়াল’, ‘গ্রুপ অব ইন্ডিভিজুয়াল’ এবং ‘অর্গানাইজেশন’ শব্দগুলো যোগ করা হয়েছে। এই সংশোধনীটি সংবিধানের ৩৫ (১) ধারারবিরোধী। কারণ ৩৫ (১) ধারায় বলা হয়েছে পরে আইন করে পূর্বের অপরাধের বিচার করা যায় না। অপরাধ করার সময় আইনে ওই অপরাধের জন্য যে শাস্তির বিধান ছিল পরে আইন করে তার বেশি বা অন্যরূপ শাস্তি দেয়া যাবে না।
২০০৯ সালের পিলখানা হত্যাযজ্ঞ বিষয়ে আপিল বিভাগ ২০০৯ সালের ৩ সেপ্টেম্বর যে মতামত দিয়েছিল তাও লঙ্ঘন করা হয়েছে ১৯৭৩ সালের আইনের সংশোধনীর মাধ্যমে। তিনি বলেন, ১৯৭৩ সালের আইনটি সংবিধানের সাথে সাংঘর্ষিক। আইনটি পাস করা হয় ১৯৭৩ সালের ২০ জুলাই। কিন’ আইনটি সংবিধানের সাথে সাংঘর্ষিক হওয়ার কারণে সংবিধানে প্রথম সংশোধনী এনে এর বৈধতা দেয়া হয়। আইনটি পরে হলেও সংবিধান সংশোধনীকে পূর্ববর্তী সময় থেকে কার্যকারিতা দিয়ে এ বৈধতা দেয়া হয়। প্রথম সংশোধনীতে ৪৭ (ক) এবং ৪৭ (৩) নামে নতুন দু’টি অনুচ্ছেদ যুক্ত করা হয়।
তিনি বলেন, ২০০৯ সালে সংশোধিত ১৯৭৩ সালের আইনে যে অসঙ্গতি ছিল তা দূর করার লক্ষ্যে আবার সংবিধান সংশোধন করা হয়েছে ২০১১ সালে। ২০১১ সালের ৩ জুলাই থেকে কার্যকর হওয়া নতুন সংবিধানে ‘ইন্ডিভিজুয়াল; এবং গ্রুপ অব ইন্ডিভিজুয়াল’ শব্দ যোগ করা হয়।
সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী আবেদনে বলেন, ট্রাইব্যুনালের অধীনে গত ১১ মাস তাকে আটক রাখা হয়েছে। এর মধ্যে বিভিন্ন বিষয়ে ২৩টি আবেদন দেয়া হয়েছে কিন’ তার একটিও আদালতে পৌঁছানো হয়নি। সংসদে যোগ দেয়া, তার বিরুদ্ধে শারীরিক নির্যাতনের তদন্ত দাবিসহ বিভিন্ন বিষয়ে সুরাহা চেয়ে আবেদন করা হয়েছিল। তিনি বলেন, আমি একজন সংসদ সদস্য, অথচ বর্তমান অবস’ায় এলাকার কোনো উন্নয়ন কাজের কোনো কাগজপত্র স্বাক্ষর করা যাচ্ছে না। তাকে আটক রাখাকে অবৈধ ও রাজনৈতিক উদ্দেশ্যমূলক আখ্যায়িত করে সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী বলেন, এর মাধ্যমে সংবিধানের মৌল কাঠামোর ক্ষতি করা হয়েছে। যুদ্ধাপরাধ আইনকে সংবিধানের সাথে সঙ্গতিপূর্ণ করার জন্য ২০১১ সালের ৩ জুলাই থেকে কার্যকর হওয়া সংবিধানে যে সংশোধনী আনা হয়েছে তার মাধ্যমে বাংলাদেশের সব নাগরিকের মৌলিক অধিকার হরণ করা হয়েছে।
সালাহউদ্দিন কাদের চৌধুরী তার আবেদনে বলেন, সংবিধানের ২৬ (২) ধারায় বলা হয়েছে ‘রাষ্ট্র এই ভাগের কোন বিধানের সহিত অসামঞ্জস্যপূর্ণ কোন আইন প্রণয়ন করিবেন না এবং অনুরূপ কোন আইন প্রণীত হইলে তাহা এই ভাগের কোন বিধানের সহিত যতখানি অসামঞ্জস্যপূর্ণ ততখানি বাতিল হইয়া যাইবে।’ ১৯৭৩ সালের আইনে ২০০৯ সালে যে সংশোধনী আনা হয়েছে তা এই ধারা এবং ৭(২) ধারার পরিপন’ী।
যৌথ সাংবাদিক সম্মেলন
(১) জনাব খন্দকার মাহবুব হোসেন, সিনিয়র এ্যডভোকেট ও সভাপতি, সুপ্রিম কোর্ট বার এসোসিয়েশন, (২) জনাব জমির উদ্দীন সরকার, ব্যারিষ্টার-এট-ল ও সিনিয়র এ্যডভোকেট এবং সাবেক স্পিকার, (৩) জনাব রফিকুল ইসলাম মিয়া, ব্যারিষ্টার এট ল, সিনিয়র এ্যাডভোকেট ও সাবেক মন্ত্রী (৪) জনাব আব্দুর রাজ্জাক, ব্যারিষ্টার এট ল ও সিনিয়র এ্যডভোকেট, (৫) জনাব জয়নুল আবেদীন, সিনিয়র এ্যাডভোকেট, (৬) জনাব মুহাম্মদ বদরুদ্দোজা, ব্যারিষ্টার এট ল, সেক্রেটারী, সুপ্রিম কোর্ট বার এসোসিয়েশন, আজ এক যৌথ সাংবাদিক সম্মেলনে নিম্নোক্ত বক্তব্য পেশ করেন:-
১. আজ আমরা অত্যন্ত জনগুরুত্বপূর্ন একটি বিষয়ে এ সংবাদ সম্মেলন করছি। বিচার বিভাগের মর্যাদা, স্বাধীনতা ও নিরপেক্ষতা নিয়েই আমরা উদ্বিগ্ন।
২. জনাব বিচারপতি মোহাম্মদ নিযামুল হক নাসিম সুপ্রিম কোর্টের হাইকোর্ট বিভাগের বিচারক হিসেবে কর্মরত আছেন। ২৫শে মার্চ ২০১০ তারিখে তিনি আন্তর্জাতিক অপরাধ ট্রাইব্যুনাল এর চেয়ারম্যান হিসেবে নিয়োগ লাভ করেন। তার নেতৃত্বে বিএনপির সাবেক দুজন মন্ত্রী ও জামায়াতের ৫ জন কেন্দ্রীয় নেতৃবৃন্দের বিরুদ্ধে (যাদের মধ্যে দুইজন সাবেক মন্ত্রী রয়েছেন) যুদ্ধাপরাধ সংক্রান্ত মামলার কার্যক্রম চলছে।
৩. সরকারপক্ষ কতৃক সাম্প্রতিক সময়ে দায়েরকৃত কিছু দলিলপত্র থেকে দেখা গেল জনাব বিচারপতি নিজামুল হক নাসিম ১৯৯৪ সালে বিএনপি ও জামায়াতের নেতৃবৃন্দের বিরুদ্ধে কথিত যুদ্ধাপরাধ সংক্রান্ত বিষয় তদন্তের জন্য গঠিত গণতদন্ত কমিশন এর সদস্য ছিলেন। ঐ সময় তিনি সুপ্রীম কোর্টের একজন বিজ্ঞ আইনজীবী ছিলেন।
৪. ২৭ অক্টোবর ২০১১ ইং তারিখে অভিযুক্তদের একজন আইনজীবী মাওলানা দেলওয়ার হেসাইন সাঈদীর পক্ষ থেকে জনাব বিচারপতি নিজামুল হক এর প্রতি উল্লেখিত কারনেই অনাস্থার কারনে সরে দাড়ানোর জন্য একটি আবেদন (রিকিউসাল) আদালতে পেশ করা হয়। আবেদন পত্রে বলা হয় যে বিচারে তিনি তদন্ত কাজে জড়িত ছিলেন সে বিষযে মিমাংসার জন্য বিচারক হিসাবে দায়িত্ব পালনের জন্য তিনি অযোগ্য। বিচারপতি নিযামুল হকের বিরুদ্ধে আনীত অভিযোগ প্রসিকিউশন পক্ষের দায়ের করা কাগজপত্র থেকেই প্রমানিত হয়। মাওলানা সাঈদীর উক্ত আবেদন পত্রে আনীত অভিযোগগুলো খন্ডানো হয়নি। ১৩ নভেম্বর ২০১১ ইং তারিখে ট্রাইব্যুনালে বিচারপতি নিযামুল হকের অনুপুস্থিতিতে দিনব্যাপী শুনানী অনুষ্ঠিত হয়।
৫. অভিযুক্ত পক্ষের আবেদনপত্র ও শুনানীতে সংবিধান, সুপ্রীম কোর্টের বিচারপতিদের শপথ, সংবিধানের ৯৬ (৪) অনুচ্ছেদের আলোকে প্রনীত আচরনবিধি, সার্বজনীন মানবাধিকারের ঘোষনাপত্র, নাগরিক ও রাজনৈতিক আচরন সংক্রান্ত আন্তর্জাতিক কাভন্যান্ট, আন্তর্জাতিক অপরাধ আদালতের রোম ষ্ট্যাটিউট (যে গুলোর সবকটিতেই বাংলাদেশ স্বাক্ষর করেছে) ইত্যাদির উপর নির্ভর করা হয়। অভিযুক্তদের আইনজীবীগন দেশ বিদেশের বিভিন্ন নজীর এমনকি হাউস অব লর্ডসের ও একটি সিদ্ধান্তের প্রতি ট্রাইব্যুনালের দৃষ্টি আকর্ষন করেন। প্রসিকিউশন পক্ষের দায়ের করা কাগজপত্রে দেখা যায় ট্রাইব্যুনালের গঠিত চার্জ সমুহের মধ্যে অনেকগুলো চার্জই জনাব নিযামুল হকের তদন্ত প্রতিবেদের উপর ভিত্তি করা।
৬. ১৪ই নভেম্বর ২০১১ তারিখে প্রদত্ত ট্রাইব্যুনালের আদেশে মাওলানা সাঈদীর আবেদন পত্র নিষ্পত্তি করা হয়েছে তবে আবেদন পত্রের মেরিটে না গিয়ে বিষয়টি ট্রাইব্যুনালের চেয়ারম্যানের সুবিবেচনার উপর ছেড়ে দেয়া হয়েছে। ট্রাইব্যুনাল জনাব বিচারপতি নাসিমের পক্ষপাতদুষ্টতার বিষয়ে সিদ্ধান্ত না দিয়ে এই বলে এড়িয়ে গেছেন এই বলে যে একজন সহবিচারকের ব্যাপারে কোন সিদ্ধান্তদেবার এখতিয়ার তাদের নেই ।
৭. যদিও অভিযুক্তদের আইনজীবীগন তাদের বক্তব্যে চেয়ারম্যানের পক্ষপাতদুষ্টতার বিষয়ে বিস্তারিত আলোকপাত করেছেন, ট্রাইব্যুনাল তা এড়িয়ে গিয়ে বিষয়টি চেয়ারম্যানের ‘সুবিবেচনার’ উপর ছেড়ে দিয়েছেন। আমরা মনে করি ট্রাইব্যুনালের এ সিদ্ধান্ত সঠিক।
৮. দলমত নির্বিশেষে বারের সকল সদস্য মনে করেন জনাব বিচারপতি নাসিমের পদত্যাগ করা উচিত। এতে সমাজের সচেতন জনগোষ্ঠীর মতের ঐক্য হয়েছেও বটে। অত্যন্ত পরিতাপের বিষয়-তিনি পদত্যাগ করলেন না। চেয়ারম্যান আজও একটি রিভিউ আবেদন শুনার জন্য অন্য দুজন বিচারকের সাথে ট্রাইব্যুনালে বসেছেন। এ ঘটনা অভিযুক্তদের আইনজীবীগনকে ওয়াক আউট করতে বাধ্য করে। এটি দুর্ভাগ্যজনকই নয়, নজীরবিহীনও বটে।
৯. জনাব বিচারপতি নাসিম একজন সম্মানিত ব্যাক্তি। তিনি সর্বোচ্চ আদালতের বিচারক। তিনি যে ঘটনার তদন্তের সাথে সম্পৃক্ত সে ঘটনার বিচারকাজের জন্য গঠিত ট্রাইব্যুনাল থেকে নিজেকে দূরে রাখাই ছিল কাম্য। তার চেয়ারম্যান হিসাবে থাকার কোন আইনী ও নৈতিকভিত্তি নেই।
১০. আমরা উদাত্ত আহবান জানাচ্ছি জনাব বিচারপতি নিযামুল হক, আপনি এখনি, অনতিবিলম্বে পদত্যাগ করুন। আপনি জোরপূর্বক এ পদে থেকে ন্যায়বিচারের পরিবেশ দূষিত করেছেন। বিচার বিভাগের উপর কালিমা লেপন করেছেন। বিচার বিভাগের প্রতি অশ্রদ্ধা দেখিয়েছেন এবং সর্বপরি ন্যায়বিভাগের উপর জনগনের আস্থা নষ্ট করেছেন। তাছাড়া বিচারপতি জনাম নিযামুল হক চেয়ারম্যান হিসাবে টিকে থাকা প্রসিকিউশনের জন্য ক্ষতিকর এবং সরকারের জন্য বিব্রতকর। আমাদের আশংকা বিচারপতি নিযামুল হক যদি তার পদে বহাল থাকেন, তাহলে তা আগামী দিনগুলিতে অনেক অপ্রত্যাশিত ও অপ্রিতিকর ঘটনা ঘটে যেতে পারে।
১১. সুতরাং আমরা আন্তরিকভাবে বিচারপতি নিযামুল হক নাসিমের প্রতি অনতিবিলম্বে পদত্যাগের আহবান জানাচ্ছি।
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