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Download PDF Speakers at a discussion yesterday demanded that the present government begin the prosecution of war criminals and involve the international community including the United Nations (UN) in the process.
They also urged the government to form an enquiry commission to mobilise witnesses and evidence for the trial.
Titled “Genocide and Impunity”, the discussion was held at the National Press Club in the city. It was organised by War Crimes Fact-finding Committee and presided over by Prof Anisuzzaman.
Eminent writer Selina Hossain, Prof Farida Banu, sister of a martyred intellectual, Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and Yasmeen Haque, teachers of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), MA Hasan, convenor of War Crimes Fact-finding Committee, Sarwar Ali, a trustee of Bangladesh Liberation War Museum, Shamsur Rahman Khan, former director general of National Museum, Dr M Nurun Nabi, a councilman of New Jersey, US and Dr Dipu Moni, an Awami League leader.
Prof Anisuzzaman said the government should form a fact-finding committee to collect evidence of numerous atrocities committed during the Liberation War and place those before the tribunal.
He said war criminals would have to be tried under the International War Crimes (Tribunals) Act -1973.
Calling on the government to include the UN, international jurists and human rights organisations in the process of trial, he said it is high time that the war criminals are brought to book.
Dr MA Hasan said the trial is still possible but for that to happen there must be a political will.
Placing several evidence of crimes committed by the collaborators of occupying Pakistan forces, he said, “As per the law, instructions of perpetrators and their collaborators, propagated through radio, television, wireless and print media can be used as court evidence.”
He added, “Absence of trial has thrown the nation into a cycle of denial of justice, eroding the moral fabric and self-confidence.
“The government has to take the initiative to form an enquiry commission and tribunals to break the silence of impunity.”
Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal described how his father was killed by the Pakistan army and their collaborators in Pirojpur.
He said a group led by Captain Ijaz and Colonel Atique of the occupation force and local Muslim League leader Afzal Hossain had waylaid his father and a few others returning from work. They killed them all and dumped the bodies in the river.
Dr Yasmeen Haque in her speech said trial of the war criminals was hindered after Ziaur Rahman took power.
Prof Farida Banu urged the government to revive the cases filed at different times.
Criticizing Information Adviser Mainul Hosein, the sister of martyred intellectual Giasuddin Ahmed said, “The present caretaker government is doing many things that are not related to election.
“They have time for raising the age limit of those in public service but no time for beginning the trial of war criminals.”
December 30th, 2007 at 7:29 am
It seems that the CTG may not initiate any action to bring the war criminals and collaborators of occupation Pakistan Army of 1971 in Bangladesh for trials.In this context and on the backdrop of growing demand from all corners the political parties must include this issue in their election agenda. Let people give their verdict in the election and elected government must complete this trial which is long overdue. In liberated Bangladesh we must not allow these criminals and their associates to continue sabotage and frustrate our nation building efforts. We must create strong public opinion to socially boycott these elements. Major political parties may expel these alleged criminals.All pro liberation patriotic forces may continue collecting evidences and creating public opinion at home and abroad so that elected government can complete trials at the shortest possible time.