ICT may accept statement from Badruddin Umar as evidence

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) may consider the statement given by veteran political analyst and writer Badruddin Umar as evidence in a high-profile crimes against humanity case involving Sheikh Hasina and two others, prosecutors have indicated.

Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim confirmed to the press that Umar, who passed away earlier on Sunday, had previously provided a formal statement to the investigating officer (IO) handling the case. However, he had not yet appeared to give oral testimony before the tribunal.

The case, which concerns alleged crimes against humanity committed during a mass uprising, names Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun as the accused.

Speaking at the ICT-1 premises in Dhaka, Prosecutor Tamim acknowledged Umar as a key witness for the prosecution.

“Badruddin Umar was indeed a significant witness. Although he did not testify in person before the tribunal, he did submit a statement during the investigative phase,” Tamim said. “Under the International Crimes Tribunal Act, if a witness dies after providing a statement, the tribunal may accept that statement as evidence — provided it is satisfied with the circumstances surrounding the death and the reliability of the statement.”

To date, 36 witnesses have given evidence in the case. Notably, former IGP Al-Mamun has provided testimony as an approver, acting as a state witness.

The prosecution has yet to decide whether it will formally apply to the tribunal to admit Umar’s investigative statement as evidence.

Meanwhile, the tribunal also heard testimony from Sanjida Khan Dipty, mother of Shahriar Khan Anas, one of six individuals killed in police firing in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area on 5 August last year.

Overcome with emotion, Ms Dipty broke down in tears as she recounted the circumstances of her son’s death during her appearance before ICT-1.