War crimes trial: Dhaka drops lawmakers from panel

DHAKA - The Bangladesh government has dropped two ruling party lawmakers from a panel of public prosecutors aiding the “war crimes trial” to avoid criticism of the process being considered partisan.

Nurul Islam Sujon and Sanjida Khanam were dropped from the twelve-member prosecution team as questions regarding their eligibility had been raised. Both are lawyers and lawmakers of the ruling Awami League, a media report said.

The change was made barely three days into announcement of the panel of prosecutors for the trial of those alleged to have killed unarmed civilians in the run-up to the 1971 freedom movement.

“We have taken the decision, so no controversy may arise,” said Law Minister Shafique Ahmed who is piloting the trial process.

Ahmed said the investigation team aiding the tribunal has been tasked with studying the International Crimes Tribunal (Act) 1973 and the 1971 government gazettes.

“The team will get important insight about the auxiliary forces of the Pakistani occupation forces through the study of the gazettes,” The Daily Star reported.

Dhaka says three million people perished during the 1971 movement that ended in separation from Pakistan and emergence of an independent Bangladesh.

Main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its Islamist ally, Jamaat-e- Islami, have warned against a political witch-hunt.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Monday said: “My government will certainly hold the much demanded trial no matter what Jamaat does. Let the nation know that it has been our commitment, and we will do that. I have been trying to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people, and will continue to do so.”