War Crimes Trial

Number of courts to increase if needed, says Qamrul

9 October 2011, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

The government would increase the number of International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) to try war criminals in the future, if necessary, said State Minister for Law Qamrul Islam yesterday. One tribunal is not sufficient to try all the war criminals, he said, adding that trial of some identified war criminals will surely be held through this tribunal within this government's tenure. Talking about people's confusion over whether Ghulam Azam would be tried, Qamrul said he certainly would. “Wait and see,” he said. He was speaking at a cover unveiling ceremony of a DVD titled “Al Badr”, a documentary on war crimes at Jatiya Press Club in the city. Referring to Jamaat leader Delawar Hossain Sayedee, Qamrul said, “Trial of one identified war criminal has begun. Trial of another five identified war criminals is expected to be launched within the next two months.” The war criminals absconding abroad would also be brought under the trial, he said. Addressing the function, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Capt (retd) AB Tajul Islam said Ghulam Azam would be arrested after specific evidence is gathered against him. Sectors Commanders Forum Organising Secretary M Hamid and Sammilito Sangskritik Jote General Secretary Hasan Arif also spoke at the function. Producer Fakhrul Arefin Khan directed the documentary.