Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said there is no connection between revenge and the death sentences handed down to seven accused, including banned Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, in a case involving crimes against humanity.
He also said the government welcomes the verdict and wants to ensure justice in society.
The adviser made the remarks while answering questions from journalists at a press conference on Tuesday on the progress of various government activities.
Asked about the government’s position on the court’s death sentence against Obaidul Quader, Zahed Ur Rahman said: “Our government has nothing to say. Certainly, our prosecution team is working on this case.”
He said: “We are the people. So what we want to see is this: many say that we have become extremely happy seeing the death sentences. But rather than being extremely happy over someone being sentenced to death, what is more important is whether we are able to ensure justice in our society.”
The prime minister’s adviser also said the accused could have presented their positions before the court regarding the allegations against them if they had been in the country.
“They were not here. It would have been better if they had been here and contested the allegations. Based on that, we believe or assume that they could be given the maximum punishment,” Zahed Ur Rahman said.
He said the government welcomes the punishments, but stressed that they have nothing to do with any desire for revenge.
“We want to ensure justice in our society. We said in the Proclamation of Independence that we want to ensure equality, human dignity and social justice. We want to see whether these are being ensured,” the prime minister’s adviser said.