Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Sunday fixed September 21 for framing charges against five people in a case filed for their alleged involvement in the crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in Karimganj of Kishoreganj.

ICT-1 headed by M Enayetur Rahim fixed the date after hearing both sides.

The accused are Shamsuddin Ahmed, Captain Nasiruddin Ahmed, razakar commander Gazi Abdul Mannan, Hafiz Uddin and Azharul Islam. Of them, Shamsuddin is absconding. 

On May 13, the tribunal took cognizance of the case against the five accused on seven allegations, including mass killing, arrest, loot and torture.

Sultan Mahmud Shimon represented the state while Mohammad Atiqur Rahman and Abdus Shukkur Khan stood for the accused.

A total of 40 witnesses will testify against the five accused.

The accused reportedly committed crimes against humanity in Biddyanagar, Ayla, Fatergup beel, Piratan Beel in Karimganj upazila of Kishoreganj district during the 1971 Liberation War.

The trial of the case against the five accused had started on June 6 last year. Ataur Rahman, investigation officer of the case, submitted report against Shamsudin and Nasiruddin-two sons of late Abdur Razzak Munshi of Karimganj Madhyapara village. Nasiruddin was a retired captain of East Bengal Regiment.