Confusion ends with Matin's resignation: Quamrul
Saturday, 8 May 2010
State Minister for Law Quamrul Islam said the resignation of war crimes probe body chief Abdul Matin, who was mired in controversy, ended confusion over the investigation into the crimes against humanity in 1971 independence war, reports bdnews24.com.
He said the probe now would get renewed impetus.
"A confusing situation arose over the chief of war crimes probe agency, which came to an end through the resignation of Matin," he said at a discussion Friday on the emergence of war criminals and communal politics.
Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, the cultural wing of the ruling Awami League (AL), organised the discussion at Dhaka Reporters' Unity office in Segunbagicha in the capital.
On May 5, Matin stepped down, a few days after a government adviser alleged that Matin had run for a college election position backed by the defunct Islami Chhatra Sangha IICS), a student wing of fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami.
ICS members have been accused of taking part in war crimes during 1971, in particular relating to the abduction of intellectuals mainly on December 14-15, 1971 just days before the surrender of Pakistan army on December 16.
Home Minister Sahara Khatun, however, defended the appointment and said Matin resigned to avoid the embarrassing situation he had been through since the comment of the adviser and media reports.
Quamrul blamed the BNP and its founder former President Ziaur Rahman for the rise of war criminals in society. He said Zia, himself a freedom fighter, introduced communal politics in Bangladesh through the induction of Jammat-e-Islami into politics.
Former home minister Mohammad Nasim said a scope was created for 'war criminals' to escape the trial through the appointment of a man who was linked to Islami Chhatra Shibir.
He called for caution against similar moves in future. "The government has gained more public support and trust by removing Abdul Matin from his post."
On Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), he said what the government had so far gained is being tainted by some students and so they should be identified and strictly punished.
He said the probe now would get renewed impetus.
"A confusing situation arose over the chief of war crimes probe agency, which came to an end through the resignation of Matin," he said at a discussion Friday on the emergence of war criminals and communal politics.
Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, the cultural wing of the ruling Awami League (AL), organised the discussion at Dhaka Reporters' Unity office in Segunbagicha in the capital.
On May 5, Matin stepped down, a few days after a government adviser alleged that Matin had run for a college election position backed by the defunct Islami Chhatra Sangha IICS), a student wing of fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami.
ICS members have been accused of taking part in war crimes during 1971, in particular relating to the abduction of intellectuals mainly on December 14-15, 1971 just days before the surrender of Pakistan army on December 16.
Home Minister Sahara Khatun, however, defended the appointment and said Matin resigned to avoid the embarrassing situation he had been through since the comment of the adviser and media reports.
Quamrul blamed the BNP and its founder former President Ziaur Rahman for the rise of war criminals in society. He said Zia, himself a freedom fighter, introduced communal politics in Bangladesh through the induction of Jammat-e-Islami into politics.
Former home minister Mohammad Nasim said a scope was created for 'war criminals' to escape the trial through the appointment of a man who was linked to Islami Chhatra Shibir.
He called for caution against similar moves in future. "The government has gained more public support and trust by removing Abdul Matin from his post."
On Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), he said what the government had so far gained is being tainted by some students and so they should be identified and strictly punished.