BDR mutiny trial mode

President’s reference received by Supreme Court registrar

BSS, Dhaka

Registrar of the Supreme Court Monday afternoon received the reference sent by President Md Zillur Rahman seeking the opinion of the Appellate Division on the mode of trial of the BDR mutiny.
The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary affairs sent the reference to the registrar of the Supreme Court on behalf of the President.
Registrar of the Supreme Court Mohammad Showkat Hossain told reporters that he received the letter from the law ministry Monday afternoon. "If possible, I would produce it before the Chief Justice today (Monday)," he said.
Earlier addressing the press at his office here, State Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary affairs Advocate Quamrul Islam said considering the issue as very important, the President sent a letter to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court seeking its opinion on the mode of trial of the BDR mutiny.
"Some civil and BDR officials (Assistant and Deputy Assistant Director) were found involved in the mutiny, who would not be tried under the BDR act," he said.
The State Minister referred to the BDR act saying the highest penalty for involvement in mutiny is seven years imprisonment while the army act provides capital punishment for such crime.
He said the trial of the persons involved in killings, attempt to kill, setting fire, looting and other crimes in mutiny would not be possible under the BDR act.
"Under the prevailing circumstances, the President as per Article 106 of the Constitution sent the reference seeking the Appellate Division's opinion, whether the trial could be staged under the Army Act-1952," he said.
Advocate Qamrul Islam said the reference also sought opinion of the Appellate Division, whether the trial of BDR mutiny could be staged through a notification under section-5 of the Army Act- 1952.