Says Muhith

Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday admitted the lack of coordination between prosecutors and investigators in the trial of war crimes.

The war crimes investigation agency will have its chief appointed soon so that it can carry out probe for the trial smoothly, he said while talking to reporters after a meeting on war crimes trial at his office yesterday.

Abdul Matin, the previous chief of the agency, resigned on May 5 amid controversy over his appointment and alleged affiliation with Islami Chhatra Sangha which was a student wing of anti-liberation force Jamaat-e-Islami until 1971.

The finance minister said the chief investigator will have the status of an additional inspector general. A steering committee comprised of officials of the home, law and foreign affairs ministries will also be formed to monitor the trial process.

Muhith said the meeting reviewed the progress of the war crimes trial, and discussed how to improve coordination between prosecutors and investigators, and monitor their work.

He admitted the lack of logistic support including office, vehicle and manpower for the prosecutors and investigators.

He, however, mentioned that the war crimes tribunal is working well.

Replying to a query, he said funding for the trial would not be a problem. “But the question is about proper implementation of the money”.

Planning Minister AK Khandker, Law Minister Shafique Ahmed, Home Minister Sahara Khatun, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and State Minister for Law Qumrul Islam attended the meeting.

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