Expressing dissatisfaction over the postponement of the verdict in a war crimes case against Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Motiur Rahman Nizami, speakers at a discussion meeting yesterday said the pronouncement of the verdict was delayed due to the prosecution’s failure.
Jamaat was hatching a conspiracy to foil the war crimes trials, they said and cast doubt over the government and prosecution’s role in delaying the verdict.
They also expressed hope that verdicts in all war crimes cases would be executed during the tenure of the present government.
Ekatturer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee organised the discussion meeting at the Women’s Voluntary Association Auditorium in the capital, marking the 20th death anniversary of Shaheed Janani Jahanara Imam.
Chaired by Justice Syed Amirul Islam, the programme was also addressed by Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Professor Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Air Vice-Marshal (retd) AK Khandaker, Professor Muntassir Mamun and Nirmul Committee acting secretary Shahriar Kabir.
Tofail Ahmed, the chief guest of the meeting, said the BNP had tried to foil the war crimes trial at different times and had even changed the constitution, but failed. “No one will be able to prevent the verdict. It will be implemented anyhow,” he added.
Muntassir Mamun criticised the left parties, saying: “Jamaat has got chance to carry out criminal activities due to protests by these parties as well as the BNP.”
AK Khandaker said: “It is very sad that the Awami League during its six-year rule had executed only one verdict against war criminals. I urge the government to quickly complete all the verdicts.”
Shahriar Kabir said: “The weakness of the prosecution has been delaying the procedures in the war crimes trials, which might be a part of conspiracy.”
He alleged that as the BNP, ISI and the USA tried to save war criminals, Jamaat organised a show of strength to protest against the trial of war criminals.
