DHAKA, June 30, 2022 (BSS) - The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 today sentenced Razakar leader Md Shafi Uddin Moulana from Lakhai upazila of Habiganj to death and three of his cronies to imprisonment till death in a crimes against humanity case.

The tribunal, however, acquitted another accused Sabbir Ahmed in the case.

The three-judge panel of the ICT-1 headed by Justice Md Shahinur Islam pronounced the judgment in presence of the three convicts- Md Tajul Islam alias Forkan, Md Jahed Miah alias Jahid Miah, Md Saleque Miah alias Sayek Miah- who were sentenced to "imprisonment till biological death". Shafi and Sabbir were tried in absentia.

Earlier on May 17 in 2022, the tribunal kept the judgment on CAV (curia advisory vault, a Latin legal term, meaning- the court awaits judgment), as both the prosecution and defence concluded their arguments in the case on that day.

Senior prosecutor Sultan Mahmud Simon argued for the state, while Gazi MH Tamim and Abdus Sattar Palowan defended the accused at the court.

The investigation agency of the ICT on March 21, 2018, concluded their investigation in the case and submitted their report at prosecution office. The prosecution on August 6, 2018, submitted the formal charge. 

The tribunal on February 7 in 2019, framed two charges of looting, arson, abduction, confinement, torture and murder against the accused.