War crimes trial move a good initiative

Says Mannan Bhuiyan

3 April 2010, 18:00 PM

Bss, Dhaka

Former BNP secretary general Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan said those who were involved in crimes against humanity, including killings, rapes and setting fire, during the liberation war should be tried. In an interview with the state-run news agency at his Gulshan residence yesterday, he said, "Only the trial is not enough, public opinion would have to be created through political means against the perpetrators of crimes against humanity and their associates." A veteran freedom fighter Mannan Bhuiyan said the trial of the perpetrators of crimes during the war could not be held earlier for some reasons or the other. "However, an initiative for the trial has now been taken and it is a good initiative." It is not right to call anybody war criminal before the trial and felt the need to bring the culprits to book with proper evidence, he added. The trial process should be transparent, fair and acceptable and the authorities should be careful so that no innocent person is harassed for nothing. Mannan Bhuiyan said a tribunal has already been formed and a process for investigation and trial has started. Therefore, the government should not tell anybody's name or publish any list in this connection. The relevant court and investigation agency would consider all these issues, he added. The former BNP secretary general said the trial of war criminals was an election pledge of Awami League. As the people have voted AL to power, it is the responsibility of the government to implement the pledge. The trial process is all right, but the pace of the process is very slow, he said, adding that there are confusions among people whether the trial would conclude within a certain period. Replying to a question on Jamaat-e-Islami's role during the liberation war, Mannan Bhuiyan said people know what role was played by whom. The court will determine who is guilty. With the passage of time, the respect for freedom fights and hatred for collaborators will increase among the new generations, he added.