Present govt to finish trial of war criminals, hopes Finance Minister Muhith

By AKM Moinuddin

Dhaka, Jul 26 (UNB) - Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Monday hoped that the present government would be able to finish trial of the war criminals before the completion of its tenure.
“We’ve made arrangements for the trial of war criminals and we hope to accomplish it before the completion of the present government’s tenure,” he said at a discussion.
Forum for Secular Bangladesh and Trial of War Criminal of 1971 organized the discussion commemorating the martyrs gunned down by the Shibir cadres in Chittgaong on July 26, 1994.
National Prof Kabir Chowdhury presided over the meeting held at the office of Women’s Voluntary Association (WVA) in the city. Journalist Shahriar Kabir gave the introductory speech.
Chairman of Sector Commanders Forum and Planning Minister Air Vice Marshal (retd) AK Khandker, Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Capt (retd) ABM Tajul Islam, State
Minister for Home Affairs Shamsul Haq Tuku, chief coordinator of Sector Commanders Forum Lt Gen (retd) M Harun-Ar-Rashid and Justice Golam Rabbani also spoke on the occasion.
Addressing the function as chief guest, Finance Minister Muhith said the government’s key goal is to establish rule of law in the truest sense.
Responding to a demand from a discussant, he said the government would place the old High Court building fully at the disposal of the International War Crimes Tribunal.
Planning Minister Air Vice Marshal (retd) AK Khandker said they would not be satisfied until and unless the trial of war criminals is held.
“The government is in the right direction to ensure the trial of war criminals,” he said.
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said her ministry would not show any negligence in providing support to the trial process.
“We did never think that they (war criminals) are more than us in terms of number… they won’t be spared even an inch of space,” she said.
State Minister for Home Shamsul Haq Tuku said the trial of war criminals would surely be completed. “None will be able to stop it through conspiracy…nation will face them.”
He said the democracy would prevail in the country and trial of war criminals would take place if the present government remains in power.
State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Tajul Islam said the entire nation is united to see the trial of war criminals.
“The trial has begun and it will be completed. But all should be careful so that no innocent people face punishment,” he said.
Justice Golam Rabbani urged the finance minister to give the old High Court building to the tribunal for the smooth trial of the war criminals.
Lt Gen (retd) Harun-Ar-Rashid said: “We’ve got a chance after 40 years. It may not come for the second time in future. So, the government should ensure the trial of war criminals.”

END/UNB/AKM