ICT unhappy with defence attitude

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 expressed Sunday its disappointment over the defence plea seeking further adjournment of the current hearing on charge framing in the Bagerhat war crimes case, reports UNB.
As the tribunal began its session after 11-day break on the occasion of Durga Puja and Eid-ul-Azha festivals, Gazi MH Tanim, a junior counsel for detained war crimes accused A Latif Talukder and Akram Hossain Khan, prayed for further adjournment on behalf of his senior, Barrister Sarwar Hossain, on the ground of homework over the discharge petition.
Reacting to the defence move, the tribunal said, "The defence was supposed to start hearing on discharge petition. Earlier, the tribunal had allowed time for homework in this connection."
"Such attitude of a legal practitioner is disappointing," observed the tribunal.
The tribunal advised the defence counsel to come before the tribunal with preparation beforehand as it would not be prudent to treat the case casually.
However, allowing the defence adjournment plea, the tribunal held back the charge hearing until October 20.
During the trial, defence counsel Sarwar did not turn up.
Earlier, state-engaged defence counsel MA Hasan had concluded the hearing opposing the war crimes charges made against his client Serajul Huq alias Butcher Seraj.