Unity and reform vital for justice process: Attorney general

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman stressed the importance of unity and reform in achieving justice for the July genocide and cases of enforced disappearances and murders.

"We have come here bearing the challenge of delivering justice for the July genocide, as well as the cases of enforced disappearances and murders. At this moment, unity is essential. Without unity and reform, this process of justice will be difficult," he said.

He made the remarks today (28 December) during the first session of the second day of the national dialogue titled "Unity, Reform, and Elections," organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in the capital's Khamarbari.

Highlighting challenges in the justice process, Asaduzzaman said, "Our first challenge is addressing the cracks in the unity and ironclad resolve that were forged with the blood of the martyrs of the July revolution, when we stood shoulder to shoulder on the streets. These cracks must be removed.

"Currently, some are busy grabbing land, some are focused on attaining power, some are preoccupied with gaining positions and titles, while others are rehabilitating their own people. However, the pressure that should have been exerted on us to bring the killers to justice has not been applied sufficiently. The more pressure you put on us, the further we will be able to advance this matter and stay committed."

He also stressed the importance of ensuring transparency in the trials, adding, "The nation expects that the justice process will be transparent. There should be no international controversy surrounding these trials. They must not be labelled as dictated verdicts. Ensuring this credibility is a major challenge."

The attorney general reassured, "The heavy responsibility of conducting this judicial process, which you have entrusted to us, will be carried out with honesty and dedication. We will complete the process swiftly while adhering to international standards."

Addressing concerns about fabricated cases, Asaduzzaman clarified, "Questions have arisen about the value of many fabricated cases and whether they might conflict with the war crimes tribunal cases. Let me clarify: the tribunal for crimes against humanity has been established under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act of 1973.

"This law defines crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, enforced disappearances, and several other offences committed against ordinary people for political purposes. These crimes will be prosecuted generally without requiring separate proceedings for isolated incidents." 

He further explained, "Other cases involving murder and torture will proceed in different courts simultaneously. Those who masterminded these crimes, those who arbitrarily killed, disappeared, tortured, and oppressed people, and even those who used political parties to commit sexual abuse or abduction leading to rape, will be tried in the tribunal. There is no obstacle to this."

He concluded by stating that ordinary criminal cases, murder cases, and politically motivated cases will be tried separately to ensure justice.