Dhaka, Dec 21 (V7N)- The Task Force for Interrogation Cell has postponed the order to begin the trial against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her former security adviser Tariq Siddique, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, three former Directors General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and 11 former and serving army officers in connection with cases of enforced disappearance and torture.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 fixed next Tuesday, December 23, as the new date for issuing the trial order. The decision was announced on Sunday (December 21) by a three-member judicial panel led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, Chairman of the tribunal.

During Sunday’s proceedings, lawyers representing the accused sought acquittal, arguing that the charges were unfounded. At the same time, 10 army officers currently under arrest in the case were produced before the tribunal.

Earlier, on December 3, the prosecution completed the formal charge-framing hearing. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam presented what he described as a grim and disturbing account of enforced disappearances and systematic torture during the period under investigation. In response, defense lawyers for the army officers denied all allegations and appealed for their clients’ discharge from the case.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, hearings were scheduled on Sunday in the Rampura murder case involving four accused, including army officers Redwanul Islam and Rafat Bin Alam. Both officers, who are currently in custody, were also produced before the tribunal. Defense lawyers in that case are expected to argue for acquittal.

The tribunal’s next hearing is expected to determine whether the high-profile cases will proceed to full trial.

END/SMA/AJ