9 Jan 2012: Nizami cognisance taken

The tribunal first took cognisance relating to the offences involving Matiur Rahman Nizami.

‘Today is fixed for passing order and formal charge. There is a prima facie case against the accused. Cognizance has been taken under sections 3 (2), 4 (1) and 4 (2) of the International Crimes Tribunal Act 1973. Prosecution is directed to submit the copies of formal charge and all supporting documents relied upon while forming the charge concerned by 12.01.2012 and defence is directed to receive the copy on 15.01.2012. From 12.02.2012 hearing of the charge will be started.’

Accused Matiur Rahman Nizami’s counsel Barrister Abdur Razzak orally applied to the Tribunal that he wants to talk to his client for 10 minutes. The Tribunal rejected the prayer saying that they will consider it next time.

The subsequent proceedings that took place after this are dealt with in separate posts:
- challenge by Gholam Azam against charges;
- examination in chief of witness number 11
- cross examination of witness number 11