ICT takes into cognisance charges against SQC

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has taken into cognisance the charges against detained BNP lawmaker Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury (SQC) for his involvement in crimes against humanity committed during the War of Liberation in 1971. The ICT Deputy Registrar Mesbahuddin Ahmed said this at a press briefing in the city Thursday, reports UNB. Passing the order, the ICT asked the jail authorities to produce war crime suspect and BNP stalwart SQ Chowdhury before it on November 24, he said. The charges fall under section 3(2) of the International Crimes Tri-bunal Act 1973, he added. Asked what prompted the ICT to take suo moto stand in this connection sans admissibility hearing on the issue, the deputy registrar said the tribunal took the decision since the accused did not appoint any lawyer for his defence. Besides, the tribunal enjoys such judicial power, he said. On November 14, prosecutors submitted formal charges against SQ Chowdhury to the ICT on the basis of the investigation report, citing his involvement in 24 incidents of crimes during the War of Liberation. The crimes include genocide, rape, abduction, extermination, enslavement, deportation, torture, abetment and attempt or conspiracy to perform such heinous acts.