Suranjit slams minister over trial disclosure

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Advocate Suranjit Sengupta speaking at a discussion on 'Terrorism and War Crimes Free Non-communal Bangladesh' organised by Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity on the occasion of the birth centenary of Poet Sufia Kamal. ? Focusbangla Photo Awami League advisory council member Suranjit Sengupta has said no minister has the legal jurisdiction to declare when the trial of suspected war criminals will begin.

Suranjit's barb was apparently aimed at the law minister Shafique Ahmed for his remarks that the trial would begin in July, reports bdnews24.com

At the Dhaka Reporters' Unity Monday, Suranjit, also the chief of parliamentary watchdog on law ministry, slammed the government for its 'unpardonable' failure to begin the trial even after two and a half years into its term.

The discussion, organised by Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, on militancy and communalism-free Bangladesh was held to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Sufia Kamal.

About the announcement, he said: "The government has already formed the tribunal, prosecution and the investigating agency. It's the tribunal who will decide about the beginning of the trial.

"No minister has the legal power to say so, not even us," he observed.

Law minister Shafique Sunday said, "The progress that the investigators and prosecutors have shown lead me to believe that the trial could begin next month. They have confirmed about beginning of the trial of two.

"The rest may face trial in August," the technocrat minister added.

Suranjit said only the tribunal and prosecution team members should speak to the media. "Confusions may be created if others do that."

Urging the government to begin the trial soon, he said: "People will lose patience if the trial wouldn't start by this year."

The senior Awami League leader hoped the report of the special parliamentary committee on constitution review would be placed in the cabinet shortly.

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