Shapla Chattar killings: ICT hears Shahriar Kabir's plea for jail division, no order issued
Defence lawyer Mehedi Hasan said an application had been filed seeking division in jail for Kabir and that the tribunal had heard their arguments
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) today (5 April) heard an application filed by Shahriar Kabir, president of the advisory board of the Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, seeking division in jail but did not pass any order on the matter.
Shahriar Kabir is an accused in a crimes against humanity case over killings and torture during the Hefajat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka in 2013.
The hearing was conducted by lawyer PM Mehedi Hasan on behalf of Shahriar, who told the tribunal that his client has been in custody for one year and seven months.
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He said Shahriar is a Bangla Academy Award recipient and a person of distinction, making him eligible for division in jail under prison rules.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim opposed the application, stating that a production warrant had been issued against Kabir in the case two months ago.
He argued that granting such a facility would raise questions about similar treatment for others, and suggested that the defence should first approach prison authorities before seeking relief from the court.
After hearing both sides, the tribunal did not issue any directive.
Speaking to the media, defence lawyer Mehedi Hasan said an application had been filed seeking division in jail for Kabir and that the tribunal had heard their arguments.
He said Shahriar, as a distinguished citizen under prison rules, is entitled to the facility and expressed hope that the tribunal would pass an order later.
Earlier in the day, six accused in the case, including Shahriar, were produced before the tribunal.
The others are former state minister for home affairs Shamsul Haque Tuku, Major General (retd) Ziaul Ahsan, former inspector general of police AKM Shahidul Haque, former deputy inspector general of police Molla Nazrul Islam, and former DIG Abdul Jalil Mondal.
Shahriar Kabir was arrested on 17 September 2024 and has been in jail since. He is also an accused in several July Uprising cases.
