18 Oct 2012: Mollah and Sajeda adjournment

Following on from the previous day, the tribunal first took up the matter of the application by Mollah's defense lawyer to seek a ruling of contempt against the Home minister (at the time) Sayeda Sajeda Chowdhury.

Abdul Baset Mojumder, Chowdhury's lawyer sought to adjourn the hearing and a date of 7 November 2012 was given.

Barrister Abdur Razzaq for the defense then then told the tribunal that the defense Counsel of Abdul Quader Mollah, Mr. Torofder was ill, which is why he is not present in the Tribunal. He therefore requested to adjourn that days cross examination

Prosecutor (Mohammad Ali): We have strong objection about it. Tribunal has been adjourned several times for his sickness. My witness is also sick. He is suffering a severe problem in his leg but he is present in the Tribunal. In the Defense Team I think there are many qualified counsel to cross-examine. So I am humbly requesting to the court to carry on today’s cross-examination.

Barrister Abdur Razzaqe: So far I know this is the first time we are praying adjournment of hearing in this case for the illness of Mr. Torofder. I am giving words to the Tribunal if he can’t come Sunday, we shall carry out the cross-examination with another Counsel. It is the cross-examination of the investigation officer which is the most important in a case, so my request is to consider it in your lordship only for today.

Judge Shahinur Islam: Try to carry on by another. It will not be problem.

Defense Counsel: Pardon us only for today.

Justice A.T.M Fazle Kabir: Ok, Sunday but you must cross-examine that day and we shall not consider any thing on that day even Mr. Torofder will not be present.