Tribunal orders security for witness in July murder case

The International Crimes Tribunal has directed the authorities to ensure the safety of a witness in the July murder case, following allegations of threats and intimidation after she gave her testimony.

The order was passed on Thursday by the Tribunal-1 bench, headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumder, with Justices Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members.

The witness, Anjuara Yasmin, an associate professor at Sheikh Borhan Uddin Post Graduate College, recently testified in the Chankharpul case. Since then, she has reportedly faced threats and harassment from unidentified individuals. Her photographs have also been circulated across various platforms without consent, raising concerns over her personal safety.

The tribunal noted that it is the state's responsibility to ensure the safety of witnesses. It directed both the principal of Yasmin’s college and the officer-in-charge of the relevant police station to take immediate steps to provide her with adequate protection.

In addition, the court ordered the formation of a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The committee has been instructed to submit its findings to the tribunal.

Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim, speaking to reporters, confirmed the development and reiterated the state’s obligation to protect witnesses involved in such sensitive cases.