Rights body Amnesty International has criticised the Bangladesh government for its move to execute two opposition politicians – Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid and Salauddin Quader Chowdhury – following seriously flawed trials and appeal processes.
The country’s apex court is set to hear their review petitions on November 2. If their convictions are upheld there is no legal way to overturn their death sentences.
Amnesty also said: “Serious crimes were also committed by the pro-independence forces, but no one has been investigated or brought to justice for them.”
“The UN has stated the ICT [International Crimes Tribunal] fails to meet international fair trial standards,” the London-based group said in a statement on Tuesday.
Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mujahid and senior BNP leader Salauddin had their convictions and sentences upheld on appeal in June and July this year respectively, and in the government’s haste to see more war crimes convicts executed, both have now had their appeals process sped up.
“Their trial and appeals process were clearly flawed and since they now face the death penalty the ultimate miscarriage of justice may be only days away,” said South Asia Research Director David Griffiths.
“The crimes committed during the war of independence were horrific, but the death sentences only perpetuate violence. The lack of fair trials makes the use of the death penalty even more disturbing.”
Mentioning that 140 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice, Amnesty said it opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception.
