ICT registrar slams Jamaat counsel

Dhaka, July 13 (bdnews24.com)?The International Crimes Tribunal registrar has hit back at the counsel for Jamaat-e-Islami leaders for his 'aggressive and discourteous' remarks.

Shahinur Rahman responded at a press briefing on Wednesday to the statement of barrister Abdur Razzaq, lawyer for the Jamaat leaders arrested for their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity and war crimes during the nation's independence war in 1971.

Barrister Razzaq, himself a leader of the Islamist party, at a press conference on Tuesday said that the tribunal failed to ensure justice for those facing trial for crimes against humanity.

Criticising the rules of procedures to try those, barrister Razzaq said if the ICT held the trial following the amended rules of procedure, justice would not be established.

"Not only the Jamaat leaders, other accused persons would also be deprived of justice under the amended rules," he claimed.

On behalf of the defence, Razzaq raised five-point demand to ensure justice, saying without the implementation of those demands the trial would not be acceptable to the civil society and the international community.

Shahinur in his reaction said that everyone has freedom and right to expression, but it should not be discourteous.

"That which can create confusion among the people in name of expressing opinion should not be acceptable to all."

"I earnestly request all concerned to show politeness and sense of proportion in expressing opinion and have a clear idea regarding the tribunal and its judicial activities."

Shahinur said the tribunal was an independent judicial organisation formed to ensure transparent, neutral, open and speedy trial of the internationally recognised crimes.

He said that a policy was formulated and required amendment was brought as per the Section 22 of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 to ensure free and fair trial.

Responding to a query, he said there was no obstruction from the tribunal to appoint foreign counsels. "Anyone can come taking permission from Bangladesh Bar Council and the amendment of the constitution is not under the jurisdiction of the tribunal."

Asked about the statement of the prime ministe at the UN General Council that the trial of the war crimes suspects was being held maintaining international standard, he said that the tribunal will determine the standards of the trial.

"No one has authority to speak about it, even I."

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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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Suranjit slams Shafique over trial disclosure

Dhaka, June 20 (bdnews24.com)?A senior Awami League leader has said no minister has the legal jurisdiction to declare when the trial of suspected war criminals will begin.

The ruling party's advisory council member Suranjit Sengupta's barb was apparently aimed at the law minister Shafique Ahmed for his remarks the trial would begin in July.

At the Dhaka Reporters Unity on 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 on Sunday said, "The progress that the investigators and prosecutors have shown lead me to the belief 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.

To date, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Matiur Rahman Nizami, secretary-general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed, assistant secretaries-general Muhammad Abdul Quader Molla and Muhammad Kamaruzzaman, executive council member Delwar Hossain Sayedee, BNP leaders Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury and Abdul Alim, a minister of Ziaur Rahman 's cabinet, have been arrested on war crimes charges.

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 don't start by this year."

CHARTER AMENDMENT

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

"It'll be tabled in parliament this session and the amendments will be inserted."

The report containing 51 recommendations was placed in the legislative assembly on June 8 and is now with the law ministry for scrutiny.

Suranjit, co-chair of the panel, said that the review was necessary as the court had annulled fifth, seventh and 13th amendments.

CG ISSUE

Suranjit urged the BNP not to create anarchy over the caretaker government issue. "Discussion is not possible outside parliament. So the opposition has to come to parliament."

Pointing at the opposition leader Khaleda Zia, he said: "She has suddenly liked some parts of the 13th amendment. Then you've to clarify in parliament if you accept the verdicts in fifth, seventh and 13th amendment."

The BNP chief on June 16 said ruled out discussion with the government on the caretaker government issue.

"The provision of holding national elections under caretaker government must be retained. No new formula is required. There is no scope for discussion either."

Awami League general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam on the next day though urged Khaleda for talks?anytime, anywhere. On June 18, he said the government action on the issue would be within the periphery of the court verdict.

The Supreme Court on May 10 had repealed the 13th Amendment to the constitution, but said the next two general elections could be held under unelected rulers.

The special parliamentary committee, however, proposed to scrap the system.

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