All war crimes verdicts to be executed, says PM

FE Team | Published: April 16, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

Slamming those who say the execution of condemned war criminals is a violation of human rights, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday vowed to execute the remaining war crimes trial verdicts saying that Bangladesh war criminals committed much more heinous crimes than Iraq's Saddam Hussein, reports UNB.
"Two war crimes trial verdicts (one against Abdul Quader Molla and another against M Kamaruzzaman) have already been executed, Inshaallah, we'll execute the rest of the verdicts, no matter what barriers come. We'll move ahead and seek cooperation of all, including the media personalities, in this regard," she said.
The Prime Minister came up with the vow while making her introductory speech before eminent media personalities, including journalists, columnists and talk show participants and hosts, at her official residence Ganobhaban.
Apparently referring to the execution of the death sentences in the war crimes trial, the Prime Minister said even former Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein had been executed on an Eid day. "Those who now speak against execution were elated on that day."
She also questioned the role of those who created, killed and got delighted at the death of Saddam, Gaddafi and Osama Bin Laden. "If those who've committed similar crimes in our country and are given punishment, then why that should be the violation of human rights ...that's my question?"
Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu, PM's Media Adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Prof Emeritus Anisuzzaman, Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, Bangla Academy Director General Shamsuzzaman Khan, eminent journalist Golam Sarwar and renowned novelist Selina Hossain were present on the dais.
Mentioning that the nation had to go through a very tough time for long 21 years after 1975 because of the capture of state power by anti-liberation forces, Hasina pledged to take the country ahead without depending on others but standing on own feet with the Liberation War spirit, facing all kinds of challenges.
Mentioning the atrocities and mayhem for nearly 93 days since January 05 this year, Hasina said she had clearly directed the law enforcement agencies, including police that their arms were not for keeping in pockets, rather for curbing criminal activities.
Suggesting the media personalities and critics to do criticisms to pinpoint the government loopholes, the Prime Minister said, "Be critical, there's no such problem, but don't do anything that only strengthens the hands of the anti-liberation forces…through criticisms (constructive) we also become more enthusiastic to serve the country better."