Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Monday directed the country’s Army authorities to produce retired Major Muzaffar Hossain before it on July 23 in connection with a crimes against humanity case.
Muzaffar was earlier arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of police over his alleged involvement in the 1981 assassination of former Bangladesh president Ziaur Rahman and was later handed over to the Army.
During the hearing, Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam told the tribunal that investigators had gathered information indicating that Muzaffar had been in telephone contact with Lt Gen (retired) Masud Uddin Chowdhury, who is an accused in the ongoing crimes against humanity case.
Masud Uddin, a key figure in the Army-backed caretaker government period, has been accused by the prosecution of involvement in alleged crimes after the 1/11 political transition.
Following the prosecution’s submission, the tribunal ordered Army authorities to ensure Muzaffar’s appearance on July 23.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Aminul alleged that Masud Uddin had been involved in several crimes against humanity since the 2007 political changeover and had maintained close links with what he described as the “fascist government”.
“We sought an order for Muzaffar’s production in the case involving Masud Uddin so that his alleged links with the accused can be examined,” Aminul said.
Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed had said on Sunday that Muzaffar was handed over to the Army after his arrest.