Lefts call for trial of war criminals

Leaders of left leaning 11-party alliance yesterday called for trial of war criminals as well as restoration of the 1972 constitution.
Stressing the need for the trial they said, to establish the rule of law in the country war criminals must be tried.
The demand was made at a roundtable discussion on Trial of War Criminals and Restoration of 1972 Constitution organised by 11-party at Dhaka Reporters Unity.
If the present government can bring the war criminals to trial, it is also possible to restore 1972 constitution, said president of Workers Party and a lawmaker Rashed Khan Menon.
The constitution was earlier changed to render support to war criminals in the previous governments, he added.
To make the trial a success, people's strong resolve to hold the trial should be voiced, Menon said.
Presidium member of NAP Muzaffar and lawmaker Amena Ahmed said people who cherish the spirit of liberation war, and the soul of martyrs would not get peace unless the trial is accomplished.
Azizul Islam Khan, presidium member of Ganatantrik Party, said conspiracy is there to foil the trial of war criminals but the trial should continue overcoming all the obstacles.
Shahin Reza Noor, president of Projanma Ekattur, said it is necessary to hold the trial to ensure the rule of law.
Arun Kumar De, son of martyr Madhu Shudon De, also stressed the need for the trial.
General Secretary of Workers Party Anisur Rahman Mallik said the present government has failed to curb corruption and extortion in many cases and has been unable to keep the ever-increasing trend of essential commodities' price under control.
Coordinator of 11-party Mahmudur Rahman presided over the meeting.
President of Gana Azadi League Abdus Samad, General Secretary of Ganatantrik Party Nurul Hasan Selim, General Secretary of Ganatantrik Mazdur Party Jakir Hossain, among others, addressed the gathering.