Cantonment sub-jail must follow proper jail code, ensure no undue influence: Barrister Arman

Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, who was a victim of enforced disappearance for several years, has urged the government to ensure that the jail code is being strictly followed inside the sub-jail declared within the cantonment.

Arman, son of Jamaat leader Mir Quasem Ali, who was executed for war crimes committed during 1971, said it is important to confirm whether the jail code is being followed there and if those kept inside are maintaining any communication with serving army officers. 

"If not, we, who are victims and witnesses, fear for our lives," he said.

Speaking to journalists at the International Crimes Tribunal premises today (22 October), Arman said if the accused, while in custody inside the cantonment, tries to influence the trial, it would be very concerning. He stressed that the jail code must be properly followed, and it must be publicly proven that there is no involvement or influence from within the cantonment.

He said, "As a victim, I hope patriotic members of the armed forces will no longer be used as hired killers. The army, protectors of the people and sovereignty, should never again be turned against the citizens or become anyone's puppet."

He also called for a high-level commission to investigate how top army officials left the country despite passport cancellation and existing warrants.

"When top military officials left the country, their passports were cancelled and warrants were issued. So how did they leave from within the cantonment?" he asked.

Barrister Arman urged the interim government to ensure accountability of those who were in charge or under whose supervision the officials left. 

"Those being tried and those who fled must not be allowed to influence this trial in any way," he added.