Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul on Saturday said the trial of those responsible for July-August genocide will be completed at least in trial court before the next Victory Day.
"We'll celebrate the verdict against mass killers," he said at a session titled 'From enforced disappearances, killings to July genocide: the challenges of justice' on the second day of two-day national dialogue organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the complex of Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the city's Farmgate area.
The law adviser highlighted four counts of major crimes against humanity during the Sheikh Hasina's 15-year autocratic rule which include July-August killing, BDR carnage, killing in Motijheel, and a vast number of incidents of enforced disappearances along with extrajudicial killing.
He deplored the fact that a huge number of individuals approach his ministry for their own ends, not for the sake of the national interest.
"A person I've long known as a beneficiary of the Awami League also came and wept, saying that he has also been deprived. Now what should we do?" said the adviser explaining why the ministries have to be occupied with work addressing different demands. Understanding the stakeholders and maintaining a balance is also important, he added.
He also talked about the Cyber Security Act which is being amended in consultation with all stakeholders concerned.
Chief Prosecutor of International Crimes Tribunal Muhammad Tajul Islam said chief commanders who are responsible for crimes against humanity are usually brought to trial.
"We are prioritising the trial of Sheikh Hasina, who was the nucleus of the mass killing, along with her accomplices. We are hopeful of disposing of the cases against the prime suspects in our International Crimes Tribunal by the next year," he said.
Member of Advisory Council to the BNP Chairperson Zahir Uddin Swapon said actors like members of the law enforcement agencies behind the July-August killings still remain in the government.
The BNP leader laid emphasis on holding the national election as early as possible after carrying out necessary reforms.
Journalist Monir Haidar moderated the event while Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, senior lawyer Matiur Rahman Akanda, victims of enforced disappearances and their family members attended the programme.
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