. The High Court Division i Bench yesterday heard part of the paper book in Bangabandhu Murder Case, read out by a de-

• fence counsel. Afzal Hossain, reports UNB.

He read out statements of seven prosecution witnesses from the case-history book. They are PW-32 Havilder (retd) A K M Sajedul Haq. PW-33 Havilder (Retd) Sellmuddln. PW-34 Subeder Joynal Abedin PW-35. Subeder Major (Retd) Anisul Haq Chowdhury. PW-36 Newaz Ahmed GarJan, PW-37 Reazul Haq and PW-38 Pranab Chan-'dra.

The court adjourned keeping reading out from depositions by 38th prosecution witnesses to resume on Sunday morning also to hear from the 1074-page paper book.

It consists of all papers, documents and depositions and cross-examinations of the witnesses recorded by the trial

court.

It Is the base for hearing of the case In the High Court.

The Bench comprising Justice Mohammad Ruhul Amin and Justice ABM Khairul Haque asked prosecution in the Bangabandhu murder case to inform on Sunday whether the state appealed against the acquittal of four accused by the trial court.

The HC Division Bench issued the order as hearing on the death reference and appeal by the convicts in the murder case continued for the seventh day yesterday.

"According to my knowledge, apix’al was not made. But I can confirm you within five minutes contacting the Attorney General." replied Deputy Attorney General Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik.

Neither AG Mahmudui Islam nor Serajul Haque, the special PP for the case, who also led the

prosecution In the (rial court, was present in (he courtroom during the HC Bench's query.

The court later asked the prosecution lawyer to Inform the bench on Sunday.

Dhaka District and Sessions Judge’s Court on November 8. 1998 in its verdict in the Bangabandhu murder case awarded 15 accused, all former army officers, death penalty but acquitted four others of the charge.

The hearing is now taking place in’the HC as (he verdict of the District and Sessions Judge's Court automatically went to the High Court as a death reference under Section 374 of the Cr PC.

Four convicts now in Jail also appealed to the High Court. They are Lt Col (dismissed) Syed Faruq Rahman. Lt Col (retd) Sultan Shahriar Rashid Khan. Major (retd) Muhluddln and Major (Retd) Bazlul Huda.