Detained army officers must appear before ICT by Wednesday or face surrender notice: prosecution

Bangla Press Desk:  The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Tuesday warned that if the 15 army officers, currently in Bangladesh Army custody following ICT-issued arrest warrants, are not produced before the tribunal by Wednesday, a public notice for their surrender will be issued as per the law.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after the defence’s arguments in the crimes against humanity case against the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the prosecution said that if the accused are produced, the tribunal may either grant them bail or send them to jail as per law.

In response to a question on whether the prosecution was under any pressure regarding the disappearance case, the officials said the law does not determine privileges based on one’s rank or position, and everyone will receive only what is legally due.

Earlier, defence counsel Advocate Amir Hossain presented arguments for the second consecutive day on behalf of Sheikh Hasina, who has been accused of crimes against humanity during last year’s July uprising.

The tribunal is scheduled to hear the third day of defence arguments on Wednesday.

BP/SP