All charges against Ziaul Ahsan proved, claims ICT prosecutor as 15th witness testifies

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim on Wednesday claimed that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt all charges brought against Major General (dismissed) Ziaul Ahsan in a case filed over the alleged orchestration of the enforced disappearance and murder of more than 100 people. 

The 15th witness, investigating officer Md Rafiqul Islam, partially testified on Wednesday. As his deposition could not be completed, the tribunal fixed Sunday for his further testimony, Tamim said.

He made the statement while responding to questions from journalists during a press briefing on the ICT premises.

Once Rafiqul’s testimony is completed, the prosecution’s presentation of evidence will conclude. The defence will then have the opportunity to present its witnesses, followed by the arguments stage.

He said the investigating officer is explaining to the tribunal how the investigation was conducted, whose statements were recorded, which places were visited and what information and evidence were collected.

The investigating officer is also presenting the information and evidence gathered at different stages of the investigation to the tribunal, the prosecutor said.

He said several Army officers, including former Army chief General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, testified in the case.

According to the prosecutor, their testimonies included accounts of Ziaul’s alleged activities and his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity.

He also said the testimonies shed light on how officials of the former Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) allegedly became involved in such crimes over time.