July Uprising crimes: ICT gives 2 more months to probe ex-army officers Masud, Mozaffar

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) has given investigators two more months to probe alleged crimes against humanity in Feni during the July Uprising involving Maj (retd) Mozaffar Hossain and Lt Gen (retd) Masud Uddin Chowdhury.

A two-member bench of ICT-2 passed the order today (23 September), setting 23 November as the deadline for submitting the investigation report following a prosecution petition.

Prosecutor Zahirul Amin sought two months' additional time, citing progress in the case and the need for further investigation. The tribunal subsequently fixed the new date for submission of the report.

Maj (retd) Mozaffar is also an accused in the murder case of former president Saheed Ziaur Rahman. Meanwhile, the other accused, Lt Gen (retd) Masud, is an influential figure associated with the "1/11" period.

He was not produced before the tribunal today due to illness. Mozzaffar Hossain was also absent from the hearing.

Earlier, on 21 July, the prosecution sought a production warrant against Mozzaffar.

On 23 July, ICT-2 showed Mozzaffar arrested in the crimes against humanity case and granted investigators two days to interrogate him. It also fixed 23 September for submission of the investigation report.

According to the prosecution, Mozzaffar's involvement in various crimes against humanity during the Awami League government's long rule has emerged in the investigation.

It said he maintained regular communication with Masud Uddin during the killings in Feni during the July mass uprising.

DB police arrested Masud from his residence in Baridhara DOHS in the capital on the night of 23 March this year.