Seventy-one organisations at a joint meeting yesterday called on the government to announce a road map to the trial of war criminals and start the activities of tribunal through forming investigation committee and appointing lawyers immediately.
Criticising the government for its 'go-slow' policy on the trial, they said people will be frustrated and upset if the government continues to delay bringing the war criminals to book.
The meting was held at Bilia Auditorium in the city, with Prof Kabir Chowdhury and Justice Golam Rabbani in the chair.
The speakers criticised the lack of coordination among the top leaders of the ruling Awami League regarding the trial of war criminals.
They also criticised Awami League presidium member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim for his remarks on sector commander Maj Gen (retd) KM Shafiullah who is now spearheading a campaign for the trial of war criminals.
Such remarks would create an obstacle to the trial, they said and sought intervention of the prime minister in settling the issue.
The organisations have decided to hold a national conference in Dhaka in October to press their demand for immediate trial of war criminals.
Acting President of Forum for Secular Bangladesh Shahriar Kabir, chief coordinator of Sector Commanders Forum Lt Gen (retd) Harun-or-Rashid, Principal Abdul Ahad Chowdhury, Prof Ajoy Roy, Advocate Zeyad Al-Mamun, Shirin Akhtar of Karmojibi Nari, Prof Mahfuza Khanam and Kazi Mukul spoke at the meeting moderated by Nasiruddin Yusuf, president of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote.