Quamrul backs law minister over Jamaat trial

Food Minister Quamrul Islam underpinned Sunday the law minister's legal interpretations pointing out lacuna in the existing amended International Crimes (Tribunals) Act (ICT) for putting Jamaat-e-Islami on trial on charge of 1971 war crimes, reports UNB.

"Many people are talking tall on Jamaat's trial just to misguide people. The statement of the law minister over the trial of Jamaat-e-Islami on charge of war crimes was the appropriate explanation of the law," the food minister came up with the views at a discussion organised by Asian Journalists Human Rights and Cultural Foundation at the Public Library auditorium in the city Sunday.

Law Minister Anisul Huq said Thursday the amended ICT Act 1973 was not enough to try and punish any political party for its alleged crimes during the War of Liberation in 1971 as there was no such provision in it.

Quamrul alleged that Jamaat was out to hinder the trial of war criminals by appointing international lobbyists. But no conspiracy will work as the government remained firm in this regard.

About Ganojagoron Manch, Quamrul said: "I salute the people of Ganojagoron Manch as they waged a proper movement in a proper time. But they misunderstood us. The government didn't indulge in any entente with Jamaat."