Dhaka, Sep 17 (V7N) – As part of the ongoing trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and others for alleged crimes against humanity committed in July–August, the defense resumed cross-examining Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the Daily Amar Desh, for the second day on Wednesday (Sept 17).

Mahmudur Rahman appeared before the International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, where his testimony has been under review since September 14 and 15.

In his earlier testimony, Mahmudur Rahman alleged that in 2008, then Army Chief Moin U Ahmed reached an agreement with India’s late President and then-Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee to ensure the Awami League’s rise to power, with guarantees of jobs and a “safe exit.”

He further claimed that the 2009 BDR mutiny and killings were the result of a conspiracy orchestrated by Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and other Awami League leaders, with the aim of weakening the army. He alleged that this was part of a broader plan crafted by what he described as “Awami fascism,” with the involvement of foreign powers.

So far, testimony from 45 witnesses has been recorded against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Chowdhury Mamun. Among them are former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who turned public witness, and Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party.