| Submit your comments on this article |
| Bangladesh |
| War crimes trial runs into further delay |
| 2009-10-11 |
| The trial of 1971 war criminals is all set to run into further delay as Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman murder case has already taken over high profile legal proceedings. A top policymaker seeking anonymity told The Daily Star yesterday that the government wants to defer the trial of war criminals, as it now concentrates on Bangabandhu murder case, and the security of the judges concerned and their family members. He said although the government has provided sufficient security to them, any untoward incident might occur over this "sensitive" case. The persons involved in the killings of Bangabandhu and his family members are still getting political support, he added. The policymaker however hoped that the process of trying war criminals would start before December. Earlier, the leaders of Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee had issued an ultimatum to the government for holding the trial by that month. The trials of the BDR mutiny and the war criminals might be held simultaneously after disposal of the Bangabandhu murder case, he said. Sources said the housing and public works ministry has already started shifting its offices to Janata Tower from Abdul Gani Road in the city where the war crimes tribunal will be set up. Law Minister Shafique Ahmed and State Minister for housing and public works Abdul Mannan Khan had earlier told The Daily Star that the government is sincere in holding the trial and is working to this end. They however could not give any time frame for starting the long awaited trial. Shafique said the government is collecting evidence of the offences committed during the Liberation War. Replying to a question, he said, "There is no pressure from any foreign countries on us regarding trial of war criminals. Rather, the United States has assured our foreign minister of assistance in the trial." He also said the government will take all measures to ensure that the trial is of international standard to avoid any dispute over its credibility. |
| Posted by:Steve White |