The International Crimes Tribunal yesterday allowed the defence counsels to meet war crimes accused Ghulam Azam at the prison cell of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital.

Tribunal-1 Chairman Justice Md Nizamul Huq fixed the duration of the meeting for three hours from 9:30 am on June 8 so that the defence could discuss the case with the former Jamaat chief and take preparation for the trial proceedings.

The tribunal also ordered the defence counsels not to make any press statement after communicating with Ghulam Azam at the

prison cell.

On May 13, Ghulam Azam, considered by many as the symbol of war crimes during the Liberation War of Bangladesh, was indicted on five charges of crimes against humanity.

Yesterday, Justice Nizamul Huq asked three names for the 'privilege communication' from defence counsels. The defence panel gave three names—Abdur Razzaq, Imran Siddique and ShishirManir.

“Two among the three are allowed to meet Ghulam Azam,” said Nizamul Huq.

He also ordered the authorities concerned to look after the defence counsels during their visit at the prison cell, and not to inter-

fere in their discussion with the accused.

Ghulam Azam was present in the court while Justice Nizamul Huq passed the order.

The tribunal partly granted another plea of the defence counsel regarding adjournment of the trial proceedings as they were not prepared for hearing since petitions on transferring Ghulam Azam case and review of charges were yet to be attended.

Defence counsel Tajul Islam requested the tribunal to defer the hearing of opening statement until the matters are resolved.

In its observation the tribunal said there was no need to defer the hearing of opening statement as it

will remain same even if the case is transferred or charges are reviewed.

Nizamul Huq then partially allowed the prayer on the ground of requirement of time for preparation while rejecting two other reasons.

The tribunal then asked the defence counsel to submit their points regarding the transfer of the case from ICT-1 to ICT-2.

Chief of defence counsels Abdur Razzaq then submitted a newspaper report published onApril 11,1992.

According to the report, some lawyers in a rally demanded the then government to execute a verdict for hanging Ghulam Azam. The verdict was passed by a people's court on March 26,1992.

In the rally, Nizamul Huq was present.

The defence filed the petition on May 30 fearing that they might be 'prejudiced' if Nizamul Huq conducts the trial.

The tribunal later heard counter argument of prosecution regarding the matter and adjourned the proceedings until June 6.

The ICT-1 yesterday also recorded the cross-examination of the investigation officer in a case filed against Jamaat leader Delawar Hossain Sayedee for his alleged involvement in war crimes during the Liberation War.

The cross-examination went on for about two and half hours while Sayedee was present at the dock.