Editorial
Adviser's observations on chief investigator's past
The government is left embarrassed
THE claim of Alauddin Ahamed, an adviser to the Prime Minister to the effect that Abdul Matin, the chief investigator in the war crimes trial, had been associated with student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami in the pre-liberation days has created a sort of stir. It has undoubtedly generated a confusion and a degree of commotion.
The government, it is learned, is in a process of investigating the matter, as part of which it has already heard Abdul Matin on what he had to say. Pending the investigation, we prefer refraining from passing any opinion on the issue.
We are constrained, however, to make two points at the stage: first, why is the investigation being undertaken by the government post-facto on the basis of a claim by somebody, that too based on information given by another party leader? The appointment process began early on, so why was the aberration not pointed out in due course. The suggestion here is: why in the first place no verification was conducted of Matin's credentials before choosing him to the post of Chief Adviser.
Secondly, if the claim turns out to have been made without foundation then where does the credibility of the adviser stand before the public? Is his sense of civic responsibility not called into question or doesn't his reputation before the public dwindle?
If, on the other hand, his observations are proved right and claim established by facts then we would still take issue with his methods. Why did he go public with his claim without any proof in hand to substantiate it? His primary responsibility would have been to go to the Prime Minister first, and then work on her advice. He could also inform the investigating authorities about what he had heard so as to initiate probe into the veracity of the claim. Either way, the adviser has acted in a way that has not only embarrassed the government but also raised some questions about the decision-making process in the government at the top.
Of course, the investigators will have to be men or women of proven integrity, probity and moral rectitude. Anyone found even remotely connected with the elements that are going to face trial forfeits his right to investigate such cases. That is the plain truth which needs little elaboration.
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