War crimes trial critics ignorant
Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik yesterday criticised and termed ignorant people who questioned the standard of the war crimes trials in Bangladesh.
“Many international war crimes experts praised the trial process...as we follow a complete, standard procedure,” he said, adding that only some persons and lawyers are raising questions at home and abroad.
Justice Manik, now in Supreme Court's Appellate Division, was addressing a reception Ekatturer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee accorded to its vice president, Prof Muntassir Mamoon, in the capital's WVA auditorium.
The columnist and historian was awarded “Brajendranath Bandhapadhaya Sharok Puroshkar-1422” on June 28 by India's Bangiya Sahitya Parishad for his research on East Bengal's society and culture, particularly for his 14-part book “19 Shotoke Bangladesher Sangbadh Shamayik Patra”.
Justice Manik also criticised a British lawyer who opined that the trials failed to maintain international standard.
He, however, enthusiastically praised the US ambassador-at-large for war crimes issues, Stephen J Rapp, for his observation on the trials.
Justice Manik also launched a tirade on late president Ziaur Rahman. “It is said that he was a freedom fighter. Was he actually a freedom fighter or had he gone to the other side with a different aim. Researchers will be able to prove his aim in the future,” he said. “But he wanted to convert Bangladesh into Pakistan with its agency ISI while he was in power. There is no doubt over this matter,” he claimed.
Justice Manik congratulated Prof Muntassir, saying he had contributed a lot in ensuring through his researches that the trials were duly held. He also accused Bangladesh's media of not giving due coverage of the award.
Bangla Academy Director General Shamsuzzaman Khan chaired the programme while noted author Prof Borhanuddin Khan Jahangir, artist Hashem Khan and Shyamoli Nasrin Chowdhury also spoke.
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