'Ensure transparency in trial process'
The government should review the International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973 before holding the trial of war criminals in order to ensure transparency in the trial process, international law expert Dr Ahmed Ziauddin said yesterday.
"After a long time, we are about to try the war criminals of 1971 as the people have given a huge mandate in favour of the trial. That's why the trial should be transparent. The government should review the International Crimes Tribunal Act to see whether the war criminals can be tried under this law," he said.
Dr Ziauddin said this while delivering a speech on 'International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973 and the trial process' at the Liberation War Museum on the third day of its weeklong programmes marking the 13th anniversary of the museum and the Independence Day.
At least eight types of war crimes were committed, 30 lakh people were killed and hundreds of thousands of women were violated during the Liberation War, he said, adding that it is not easy to try such huge crimes.
"The entire world will pay its attention to Bangladesh during the trial of war criminals. So we must not fail in our efforts to try them," Dr Ziauddin said.
Members of Razakar, Al-Badr and Al-Shams who collaborated with the Pakistani army during the Liberation War can be tried under the International Crimes Tribunal Act, he said, adding that "Our priority should be bringing the top criminals to book."
Later, the Liberation War Museum launched a website -- www.liberationwarmuseum.info -- containing statements of the witnesses of the Liberation War.
A cultural programme was also held where students of Fatullah Pilot School, Notre Dame College and Mukul Niketan of Mymensingh performed.
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