National

5 Gaibandha war criminals get death

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Court has sentenced five Gaibandha men for committing crimes against humanity during the Liberation War of 1971.

The three-member tribunal headed by the Justice Md Shahinur Islam passed the order on Tuesday. 

The death-row convicts are Md Ranju Mia, Razakar commander Abdul Jabbar, 86, Md Jafijar Rahman Khoka, 64, Md Abdul Wahed Mondol, 62, and Md Momtaz Ali Bepari, 68. Among them, only Ranju is in custody, while the others are absconding.

Earlier on Monday, the ICT fixed Tuesday to announce the verdict. 

The ICT adjourned the judgement for the matter, after hearing the closing arguments from both sides on July 21.

Six people were initially accused in the case, but one of the suspects, Azgar Hossain Khan, died before the case went to trial.

The prosecution took four charges against them for crimes committed against humanity, which includes murder, mass killing, abduction, torture, and rape.

The trial proceedings commenced after the charges against the others were framed on May 17, 2018.

All the accused were either involved in or with Jamaat-e-Islami or later enlisted with the Razakar force, collaborating with the Pakistan Army during the Liberation War.