A heated exchange occurred today at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 between Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and the presiding judge. At one point, the judge asked the Chief Prosecutor, “Why are you standing up and interrupting?” The Chief Prosecutor also entered into a verbal dispute with the defense lawyer, Tabarak Hossain, representing the accused.

The three-way confrontation took place on Tuesday at the tribunal, led by Justice M. Golam Mortuza Majumder. The other members of Tribunal-1 are Justice M. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice M. Mohitul Haque Enam.

During the proceedings, formal charges were framed against 17 accused, including 12 current and former officials, in a case related to enforced disappearances at the RAB Task Force for Interrogation (TFI) during the Awami League government.

Before the start of opening statements, defense lawyer Tabarak Hossain requested three months to prepare on behalf of the seven arrested army officers. He explained that the prosecution had submitted a large volume of documents that needed to be reviewed, as well as witness statements and site inspections that had to be studied. Citing his own health issues, he said that after receiving the written order, he would file a review petition against the formal charges. He argued that without adequate time, fair trial rights for his clients could not be ensured.

Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud responded that the tribunal could consider the grounds for a review petition when granting preparation time.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam immediately objected, standing up and speaking loudly: “Orders must be given after hearing the prosecution. Will the trial sit idle while he (Tabarak Hossain) reviews the order?”

Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud replied, “You must exercise patience. You cannot speak this way in court. Until an order is passed, you cannot address the bench like this. Shall we speak and you remain silent? We are issuing an order.”

Tajul Islam insisted that the tribunal should hear the prosecution before giving orders. The chairman, Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, intervened, telling the Chief Prosecutor to sit.

The judge then remarked, “Why are you standing up and interrupting?” to which Tajul Islam responded, “If you pass the order, I will sit.” Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud noted that the prosecution’s side had never been ignored when orders were passed.

Later, the tribunal expressed that it was highly unusual for one party to stand up while another had not finished speaking, and cautioned that such incidents should not recur.

The tribunal chairman granted the defense four weeks to prepare before the start of opening statements. The Chief Prosecutor argued that the defense was attempting to intentionally delay the trial, warning that witnesses were at risk and that prolonging proceedings could jeopardize justice. He said, “Witnesses are being killed. Stabbings are happening. We are conducting a trial under life-threatening circumstances. Granting more time is not justified.”

The chairman clarified that the tribunal was not judging the army as an institution and would not allow undue delays.

During this, defense lawyer Tabarak Hossain also spoke from his place, stating that they were not trying to delay justice but merely requested the time necessary for proper preparation. The Chief Prosecutor then told him, “Sit down. Why are you speaking here?”

After hearing both sides, the tribunal allowed four weeks for preparation before opening statements.

Meanwhile, another hearing took place in a case against Major General (retd.) Ziaul Ahsan, accused of forcibly disappearing and killing over 100 people during the Awami League government. Ziaul was presented in court, formally arrested, and sent to jail. The prosecution requested January 4 as the date for the hearing regarding formal charges.

At one point, Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud, smiling, remarked that the parties should be allowed to celebrate “Happy New Year.” The Chief Prosecutor responded, “When does ‘Happy New Year’ turn into ‘Happy Funeral’?” At another moment, he extended English New Year greetings to the tribunal in advance.