War Crimes Trial
'Involve women lawyers in investigation process'
Female lawyers' participation in the prosecution team of war crimes tribunal would help in digging out information on torture of women during the Liberation War, speakers said yesterday.
If women lawyers are involved in the investigation process, the women, who were tortured by the collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces, would feel comfortable in revealing the truths, they said.
"Female lawyers would be more empathetic to realise the victims' agony," said Shahriar Kabir, acting president of Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, at a discussion.
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad arranged the discussion session in the capital's Sufia Kamal Bhaban conference hall demanding fast trial of the identified war criminals.
Shahriar Kabir said Bangladesh has many efficient female lawyers who could deal with the relevant cases.
There are no female members in the seven-member prosecution team.
"We have already proposed some female lawyers' names to the government to include them in the team, but it didn't pay any heed," Kabir said.
Jaamat-e-Islami as a political party should be accused of committing crime against humanity, he opined.
The government shouldn't spare the party, as it committed the worst forms of crimes in view of their political ideology, said Kabir.
The speakers also criticised the government saying some ministers announced that the government wouldn't accuse Jaamat-e-Islami of war crimes, but some of its leaders for taking part in killing and oppression in 1971.
"It's an independent tribunal. They will decide who will be tried," said Justice Syed Amirul Islam.
"The government is confused whether they would ban religion-based politics," said Amirul Islam, adding it should not have any other choice, except banning such politics as the High Court delivered a clear verdict against religion-based politics.
Maleka Banu, general secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, presided over the function while Lt Gen (retd) Harun-ur Rashid of Sector Commander Forum and columnist and journalist Syed Abul Maksud spoke.
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