Witness in crimes against humanity trial testifies former minister Kamrul Islam was not involved in Rampura-Badda killings before shifting stance under re-examination

A witness in the crimes against humanity case involving former minister Qamrul Islam and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon recanted his earlier testimony regarding Islam’s involvement in killings during the July mass uprising at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Monday.

The witness, Md. Sakib Ahmed, appeared before the tribunal presided over by Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud to complete his testimony. During cross-examination by the defense, Sakib Ahmed stated that Qamrul Islam was not involved in the killings that occurred in the Rampura-Badda area during the unrest.

When Qamrul Islam’s counsel, Md. Bodiu-uz-Zaman Tapadar, asked the witness to clarify if the former minister had any role in the Rampura-Badda violence, the witness replied in the affirmative. Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud repeated the question to ensure clarity, and the witness again confirmed his statement, which was subsequently recorded by the tribunal.

The prosecution raised immediate objections, arguing that the witness may have misunderstood the complex nature of the question. Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim questioned the witness on his intent, but Justice Shafiul Alam overruled the objection, noting that the tribunal had asked the question twice in Bengali and the witness had ample opportunity to voice confusion during the recording process.

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Following the cross-examination, the prosecution requested a re-examination of the witness. The defense, including Qamrul Islam himself, who addressed the court from the dock, challenged the request, asserting that re-examination must be limited to specific points of contention.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the tribunal granted the prosecution’s request. During the subsequent re-examination, Sakib Ahmed shifted his position, testifying that he holds former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former minister Qamrul Islam, Rashed Khan Menon, and those who attended meetings to impose the curfew responsible for the killings in the Rampura-Badda area during the July uprising.

Sakib Ahmed, the first witness in the case, began his testimony on June 23. His appearance today concluded his initial testimony, followed by the rigorous cross-examination and the controversial re-examination process.