War crimes tribunal, probe team formed

12-member prosecutors’ team named 
The government yesterday announced a three-member international crimes tribunal, a seven-member investigating agency and a 12-member prosecutors team to try the people who committed crimes against humanity during the Libaration War in 1971. The crimes include helping the Pakistani occupation army massacre people including freedom fighters, raping women, looting and torching houses of innocent citizens during the nine-month-long war.
Justice Md Nizamul Haque, a judge of the High Court Division, has been appointed as chairman of the tribunal while Justice ATM Fazle Kabir, another judge of the HC, and former district judge AKM Zahir Ahmed have been named as members of the tribunal as per section 6 of the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act 1973.
Abdul Matin, former additional secretary, has been appointed as chief of the seven-member investigating agency comprising Md Abdur Rahim, former additional inspector general of police, Kutubur Rahman, former deputy inspector general (DIG) of police, Major (retd) ASM Samsul Arefin, Meer Shahidul Islam, additional DIG of Criminal Investigation Agency (CID), Md Nurul Islam, inspector of CID and Md Abdur Razzak Khan, inspector of the CID.
Advocate Golam Arif Tipu has been appointed as the chief prosecutor. The members of the prosecutors’ team are: Advocate Syed Rejaur Rahman, Advocate Golam Hasnayen, Advocate Rana Das Gupta, Advocate Zahirul Haque, Advocate Nurul Islam Sujan, Advocate Syed Haider Ali, Advocate Khandaker Abdul Mannan, Advocate Mussaraf Hossain Kajal, Advocate Ziad Al-Malum, Advocate Sanjida Khanam and Advocate Sultana Mahmud Semon.
The decision was announced by law minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed at a press briefing held at the conference room of the home ministry.
Home minister Advocate Sahara Khatun, planning minister AK Khandaker, state minister for home Shamsul Haque Tuku, state minister for law Quamrul Islam, home secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikder, law secretary Anwarul Haque and Advocate Mossarof Hossain Kajal were present during the briefing.
Barrister Shafique Ahmed said that three separate circulars were issued by the ministries of law and home ministry.
The law minister said that the authorities concerned could arrest the suspected war criminals during the investigation as per the act.
“The investigating agency will start its investigation as early as possible and they will collect documents from home and abroad as evidence for trial,” he said.
“We request the people of the country, especially the media persons, to extend necessary cooperation,” he said.
The minister also said: “It will take time to complete investigations against those who were involved in crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971.”
Barrister Shafique said that the trial would start with the availability of investigating reports.
He said that there was no pressure for stopping the trial process of the war criminals from the International community. “The international community was supporting us for holding the trial,” he claimed.
The law minister said the accused would have the right of self-defence. They could appoint lawyers and could appeal against the verdict of the tribunal in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
Sources said that the government had prepared a primary list of 54 war criminals and asked the concerned authorities to prepare a comprehensive list.
UNB adds: The Law Minister said the chairman and the members of the tribunal would get remuneration and privileges of a High Court judge.
He said more prosecutors, if needed, would be appointed.
The tribunal, investigation agency and prosecutors were announced a day before the 40th anniversary of National Independence Day.
Barrister Shafique said the tribunal was set up in consultation with the Chief Justice. The matter was also discussed with the President and the Prime Minister.
In reply to a question, he said the investigation agency would start work with the publication of the gazette notification yesterday.
The Law Minister said with the permission of the tribunal, a person could be arrested and property seized in the interest of investigation.

Courtesy of The Independent