Veteran political analyst, writer, and researcher Badruddin Umar had given a statement to the investigating officer (IO) in a crimes against humanity case filed against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim told reporters today.
Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun are the other accused in the case, which is related to crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the mass uprising.
Speaking to journalists at the premises of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka, Prosecutor Tamim confirmed that Badruddin Umar, who passed away today, had already provided a statement to the IO of the case.
However, he had not yet testified before the tribunal.
So far, 36 witnesses have given statements in the case. Notably, former IGP Mamun has also provided testimony as an approver (state witness).
In response to a question whether the prosecution's case had been weakened by Umar's death -- given that he was listed as a witness, the prosecutor said, "Badruddin Umar was indeed a key witness. While he did not testify before the tribunal, he had already provided a statement to the investigating officer." "According to the International Crimes Tribunal Act, if a witness passes away after giving a statement during the investigation phase, the tribunal may accept that statement as evidence during trial -- provided the tribunal is satisfied with the circumstances of death and the validity of the statement."
He added that the prosecution has not yet decided whether it will submit a formal request to the tribunal to accept Umar's investigative statement as admissible evidence during the trial.
Meanwhile, the mother of Shahriar Khan Anas, who was among six killed in police firing in the City's Chankharpul on August 5 last year testified before the ICT-1.
The grieving mother, Sanjida Khan Dipty, broke down in tears as she narrated how her son had been killed.
FP/MI
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