US backing war trial

The United States has supported the trial of those who committed crimes against humanity during Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971.
It also urged the Bangladesh government to adhere to the due process and maintain domestic and international standards.
In a press statement issued in Washington DC on Tuesday, Victoria Nuland, spokesperson of the US State Department, said the United States supports bringing to justice those who commit such crimes.
"However, we believe that any such trials must be free, fair, and transparent, and in accordance with domestic standards and international standards Bangladesh has agreed to uphold through its ratification of international agreements, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights," Nuland said.
"As Bangladesh addresses the legacy of atrocities committed during the Liberation War and as we await further verdicts by the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal, the United States urges the Government of Bangladesh to adhere to the due process standards that are part of its treaty obligations, and to fully respect the rule of law," the spokesperson said.
The press statement further said the United States notes the conviction and death sentence announced Monday by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) following the trial in absentia of Abul Kalam Azad for crimes against humanity committed during the Liberation War.