Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman on Sunday assured the National Parliament that instances such as the one involving former army officer Ziaul Ahsan on court premises will not be repeated.
He also vowed that justice would be ensured for every killing, enforced disappearance, and rights violation committed in the country, including during the July mass uprising.
Replying to a query from Sylhet-2 MP Tahsina Rushdir Luna in Parliament regarding the ‘picnic type’ approach of Ziaul Ahsan while entering and leaving the ICT, the minister spoke about Ziaul Ahsan, former director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), who is now facing trial at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on charges of crimes against humanity.
The minister said the matter had been raised in the House and had come to his attention.
Although what happens when an accused is taken to court does not fall under the law minister's jurisdiction, he said the government took note of the issue once it came to light.
He said the accused was subsequently taken away in the manner required for a "notorious criminal".
"We assure you, honourable speaker, that such incidents will not recur at court premises," he said.
The minister said the government was keen to ensure that justice was not called into question in any way, while at the same time not seeking any "tailor-made" judgment.
Agreeing with the sentiments expressed by the MP, the minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to pursue justice for all unlawful killings, enforced disappearances and other atrocities in Bangladesh's history, as well as for those killed, maimed, blinded or otherwise injured during the July mass uprising.
Referring to a recent statement by the home minister under Rule 300, the law minister said teams led by the chief investigation officer and the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal would visit districts outside Dhaka where crimes against humanity were committed over the past 16 years and during the July uprising.
The teams will investigate enforced disappearances, killings, political persecution and other crimes against humanity committed during that period, he said.
He urged members of the House to extend cooperation to the investigators when they visit the districts.
He called on lawmakers to provide information on any police, former BDR or other law enforcement officials, or political activists, who were involved in, abetted or sheltered such crimes in their areas.
Seeking cooperation from all, the minister once again assured the House that such incidents would not be repeated.