Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal has alleged that defense lawyers are deliberately delaying the trial of retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, accused of crimes against humanity involving numerous abductions and killings. Speaking to journalists on Monday at his office conference room, he said the defense team, which includes Ahsan’s sister Nazneen Nahar, repeatedly seeks adjournments on various pretexts such as illness, death of lawyers, or requests for documents.

According to Aminul Islam, the tribunal recorded the testimony of a key witness on Sunday, June 21, and cross-examination was scheduled for the following day. However, Nazneen Nahar submitted multiple petitions, only one of which—seeking to meet the accused—was accepted by the tribunal. The prosecutor described the remaining petitions as irrelevant and intended to stall proceedings.

He warned that from the next hearing date, any further attempts by the defense to delay the trial through improper applications would face stronger objections from the prosecution.