DHAKA: State Minister for Law Kamrul Islam defined the ongoing war crimes trial as a ‘second liberation war’ that divided country’s politics into two streams–pro-and anti-liberation–as it happened in 1971.

“Country’s politics is now divided into two camps. Prime Minister Sheikh Haisna is leading the pro-liberation force while Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia heading the anti-liberation force,” the outspoken minister said, about the battle lines drawn in his view.

He came up with the observations at a discussion organized by Dhaka district unit of Bangabandhu Sanskritik Jote at Dhaka Reporters Unity marking the second anniversary of the Grand Alliance government.

The state minister alleged that trial of war crimes was not held as the anti-liberation forces had been in power for long.

Emphasizing that the present government is working to establish human rights and the rule of law, Kamrul said, “In line with the initiative, the trial of the killers of Bangabandhu was completed and the verdict was executed partially.  Besides, the process of bringing back the fugitives is underway.”

Trial of those who committed crimes against humanity during the liberation war is internationally acceptable, he told the meet. “So, there was no way to retreat from holding the ongoing war crimes trial.”

He also assured that there would be no hurry in holding the trial against the war criminals and the accused would be given opportunity to submit appeal.

BDST: 1905 HRS, JAN 07, 201

Keywords/Tags: Bangla News 24, international crimes trial, kamrul islam, mobilization, state minister for law, war crimes trial