Habibur Rahman Mallik, uncle of the slain Nazrul Islam Mallik, testified before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 that intelligence officials told his family RAB intelligence chief Ziaul Ahsan was responsible for Nazrul’s killing. His statement came during cross-examination by defense lawyer Aminul Gani Tito before a two-member judicial panel led by Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud on Thursday, April 22.

Habibur Rahman is the fourth witness in a crimes against humanity case involving allegations of enforced disappearances and killings during one and a half decades of Awami League rule. During cross-examination, Tito disputed the witness’s claim, arguing that Ziaul’s name was introduced under the investigator’s influence. Habibur Rahman maintained that intelligence personnel had repeatedly visited their home and informed them of Ziaul’s involvement.

The tribunal set May 6 as the next date for testimony. Ziaul’s sister and lawyer Naznin Nahar objected to the schedule, arguing that other cases receive longer intervals between hearings. Prosecutor Uday Tasmir responded that the defense complains both when witnesses are delayed and when they appear regularly. The tribunal upheld its decision and adjourned the session.