The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 will deliver the verdict in the trial of former BNP minister Abdul Alim for his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during the Liberation War on Wednesday. Alim (83), a former member of the late Ziaur Rahman’s cabinet, was indicted on 17 charges, including genocide and other atrocities, in Joypurhat in 1971. The three member ICT-2, headed by Justice Obaidul Hassan, had kept the verdict pending after closing of arguments by the prosecution and defence on Setember 22, prosecutor Zead Al Malum told journalists on Tuesday. Malum said, “Out of the 17 charges against Alim, the prosecution had sought conviction on 15. These included 10 charges of murder, three of genocide, one of deportation and one of confinement.” The other two charges were in connection with looting, arson, deportation and detention of unarmed civilians.
The prosecutor added that a total of 35 witnesses, including investigating officer Altafur Rahman, had testified against the accused and three people had deposed in favour of the defence. Alim was arrested from Joypurhat for alleged crimes against humanity on March 27, 2011.
Four days later, the tribunal had granted him bail on health ground. The bail was cancelled on September 22 and Alim was sent to prison to ensure his presence during the time of verdict.
-With The Independent input
