Process of war criminals' trial begins from Apr 8
Monday, 6 April 2009
The process of holding trial of 1971 war criminals will begin from April 8 with the appointment of the chief investigating officer, reports UNB.
UN Resident Coordinator Renata Lok-Dessallien during a meeting with Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed and Home Minister Adv Sahara Khatun Sunday proposed to send experts in assisting the government to hold the trial.
Talking to the journalists after one-hour and 45-minute meeting at the Law Ministry, Renata said she assured the government of UN's cooperation in holding the war criminals trial in international standard.
She said if the government wants they can send international experts who have experiences in such trial. Many countries made mistakes in dealing with such complex and sensitive matter, she added.
Renata said since the government will try the war criminals at its own tribunal, they want to assist the government by sending experts to avoid mistakes.
State Minister for Law Adv Qamrul Islam, who was present in the meeting, told the journalists that the UN's proposal for sending experts is under consideration of the government.
He said an investigating officer will be appointed on April 8 and the investigation will be conducted under existing laws.
The State Minister said steps have already been taken so suspected war criminals cannot flee the country. He, however, would not say who are on the suspects list. The investigating team will collect the list of suspected war criminals.
In reply to a question, Qamrul said whatever risk is involved the government is ready to hold the trial. It is the national demand and the Prime Minister will meet the demand, he added.
UN Resident Coordinator Renata Lok-Dessallien during a meeting with Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed and Home Minister Adv Sahara Khatun Sunday proposed to send experts in assisting the government to hold the trial.
Talking to the journalists after one-hour and 45-minute meeting at the Law Ministry, Renata said she assured the government of UN's cooperation in holding the war criminals trial in international standard.
She said if the government wants they can send international experts who have experiences in such trial. Many countries made mistakes in dealing with such complex and sensitive matter, she added.
Renata said since the government will try the war criminals at its own tribunal, they want to assist the government by sending experts to avoid mistakes.
State Minister for Law Adv Qamrul Islam, who was present in the meeting, told the journalists that the UN's proposal for sending experts is under consideration of the government.
He said an investigating officer will be appointed on April 8 and the investigation will be conducted under existing laws.
The State Minister said steps have already been taken so suspected war criminals cannot flee the country. He, however, would not say who are on the suspects list. The investigating team will collect the list of suspected war criminals.
In reply to a question, Qamrul said whatever risk is involved the government is ready to hold the trial. It is the national demand and the Prime Minister will meet the demand, he added.