Some war crimes trials may end this year

Law Minister Shafique Ahmed yesterday said he is hopeful that trials of about five to seven persons accused of crimes against humanity will be finished within this year if the present speed of trial proceedings continue.
He said this while talking to reporters after a meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Bin Naser Al-Busairi at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat.
When reporters raised the issue of defence's preparation to submit lists of several thousand witnesses to the International Crimes Tribunals, the law minister said the tribunals could take action against anybody who will obstruct their (tribunals) trial proceedings without any reason.
A law ministry press release said Shafique told Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdullah Bin Naser Al-Busairi that the trial of killers of Saudi embassy official Khalaf Al Ali would be held at a speedy trial tribunal.
State Minister for Law Qamrul Islam was present at the meeting.