Trial not of int'l standard, say pro-BNP lawyers

BNP lawmaker Barrister Moudud Ahmed speaks at a press briefing of Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum, a platform of the pro-BNP lawyers, in the Supreme Court conference room on Tuesday. Photo: Focus Bangla

International standard was not followed and transparency not maintained in the war trial of BNP leader Salauddin Quader Chowdhury's case, pro-BNP lawyers alleged Tuesday.

Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum, a platform of the pro-BNP lawyers, came up with the observation at a press briefing at the Supreme Court conference room an hour after International Crimes Tribunal handed Chowdhury death sentence for war crimes.

"The judgement of the tribunal is not the highest decision. We will challenge it at the Supreme Court," said Moudud Ahmed, BNP standing committee member.

Referring to a rumour that a copy of the verdict was found in a computer of law ministry and was later found on different websites, Ahmed, also a former law minister, asked the government to explain the issue.

"We want that the people who committed crimes against humanity must be punished. But that must be done following transparent way and international standard," said Barrister Rafiqul Islam Mia, a member of the BNP national standing committee.

Khandaker Mahbub Hossain, a senior pro-BNP lawyer and adviser to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, termed the judgement politically motivated.