Govt defers naming investigating agency, prosecutors
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
The government has deferred the announcement of investigating agency and prosecutors for investigation and trial of war criminals of the 1971 liberation war on various grounds like absence of the Law Minister from the country and security reasons, reports UNB.
State Minister for Law Adv Qamrul Islam told the journalists Sunday that the investigating agency and prosecutors would be named Monday.
But after a day, he came up with different versions telling reporters at his ministry that they have taken the decision but would not divulge the names of officials on the investigating agency and prosecuting lawyers until Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed returns home from Iran on April 24.
Asked whether names would be announced after the Law Minister's return, Qamrul said it would be announced within this month. He said he couldn't disclose the names Monday as it involves security aspects.
He indicated that after arranging security and offices of the investigating agency and prosecutors, their names would be made public.
Replying to a question, the state minister said efficient RAB and CID officers, now in service, will be on the investigating agency. Some retired officers with expertise will also be included in the agency.
About the prosecution team, he said renowned lawyers would be appointed as prosecutors. Five to seven members will be on the investigating agency and prosecution team.
To another question, Qamrul said it does not require trying thousands, only those who were in command positions in conducting killing, rape, loot and arson will be identified and tried. If found guilty, maximum punishment is death penalty, he added.
Asked if there is any pressure from middle-eastern countries for not holding the war crimes trial, he disagreed with the view saying that there is no pressure on the government from outside.
"We won't deviate from our commitment," he said, expressing the hope that the trial process will be complete before December 16 next, the Victory Day.
State Minister for Law Adv Qamrul Islam told the journalists Sunday that the investigating agency and prosecutors would be named Monday.
But after a day, he came up with different versions telling reporters at his ministry that they have taken the decision but would not divulge the names of officials on the investigating agency and prosecuting lawyers until Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed returns home from Iran on April 24.
Asked whether names would be announced after the Law Minister's return, Qamrul said it would be announced within this month. He said he couldn't disclose the names Monday as it involves security aspects.
He indicated that after arranging security and offices of the investigating agency and prosecutors, their names would be made public.
Replying to a question, the state minister said efficient RAB and CID officers, now in service, will be on the investigating agency. Some retired officers with expertise will also be included in the agency.
About the prosecution team, he said renowned lawyers would be appointed as prosecutors. Five to seven members will be on the investigating agency and prosecution team.
To another question, Qamrul said it does not require trying thousands, only those who were in command positions in conducting killing, rape, loot and arson will be identified and tried. If found guilty, maximum punishment is death penalty, he added.
Asked if there is any pressure from middle-eastern countries for not holding the war crimes trial, he disagreed with the view saying that there is no pressure on the government from outside.
"We won't deviate from our commitment," he said, expressing the hope that the trial process will be complete before December 16 next, the Victory Day.