Prosecutor clashes with Ziaul Ahsan’s sister during ICT hearing

A heated exchange broke out between a prosecutor and the sister of former Major General Ziaul Ahsan during a hearing in an enforced disappearance case at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday.

The confrontation took place during the cross-examination of investigating officer Md Rafiqul Islam before a one-member bench of ICT-1 headed by Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

Ziaul’s sister, Nazbeen Nahar, who is also a defence lawyer, objected to repeated interruptions by prosecution members during the questioning.

Her objection triggered an argument with prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim.

At one point, Tamim stood up, pointed his finger at Nazbeen and said, “I have tolerated a lot from you.”

Nazbeen immediately told him not to point his finger at her while speaking.

Monday marked the seventh day of cross-examination of investigating officer Rafiqul Islam. Defence lawyer Shahidur Rahman was conducting the questioning.

During the hearing, Rafiqul said he had not visited the National Security Intelligence (NSI) headquarters to collect information, although Ziaul had held senior intelligence positions between 2009 and 2016.

Ziaul served as intelligence director of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and director general of the NSI during that period, according to the testimony.

Following Rafiqul’s response, several prosecutors asked him to check the computer screen to ensure his statement was being recorded accurately.

Nazbeen objected, asking prosecutors to raise their concerns together rather than repeatedly interrupting the cross-examination.

The exchange escalated when Tamim referred to an earlier defence remark suggesting that the accused already knew what verdict the tribunal would deliver.

Judge Mohitul asked Nazbeen to explain how the defence could make such a claim.

Tribunal challenges prosecutor

Tamim then expressed frustration over the courtroom atmosphere.

“The atmosphere in this tribunal has deteriorated to a level worse than that of a village arbitration meeting,” he said.

The remark drew a sharp response from the tribunal.

“What exactly do you want? Should we take legal action?” the judge asked.

Tamim replied that the prosecution only wanted courtroom discipline maintained.

He alleged that the accused and his lawyers had been speaking simultaneously during the cross-examination.

Ziaul, who remains in custody, attended the hearing virtually from a special building at Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj.

--