The
International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 is likely to see amendment soon with
addition of three new sections and two subsections in the proposed draft, to
try the killings those took place during the recent anti-discrimination student
movement.
The
new development came to the light at a view exchange meeting held at Judicial
Administration Training Institute (JATI) here in the capital today (Monday,September
23).
“The
proposed draft amendment to have three new sections 4(a), 13(a), 20(a) and two
new subsections, 3(3) and 12 (2). Apart from these, proposal was made to bring
amendment to sections 3(2) (a), 4 (2) and 19,” law ministry sources said.
Presided
over by Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, the
meeting was attended by Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and
Cooperatives Adviser AF Hasan Arif, Industries, Housing & Public Works
Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, Law and Justice
Division Secretary Md Golam Rabbani, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs
Division secretary (current charge) Dr Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, electoral system
reform commission chairman Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, senior jurist ZI Khan
Panna, former district judge Iktedar Ahmed, Barrister Sara Hossain, ICT Chief
Prosecutor Advocate Tajul Islam and Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua were present at the meeting, among others.
Laying
emphasis on establishing justice, Legal Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said the present
government does not want any revenge or vengeance, adding, “The amended act
should be acceptable to all. Many injustices have taken place in the past.
Judges will be appointed at the tribunal soon.”
ICT
Chief Prosecutor Advocate Tajul Islam said his goal is to ensure justice and he
sought help of all in this regard.
The
International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 was enacted to detain, prosecute and
punish persons responsible for committing genocide, crimes against humanity,
war crimes and other crimes allegedly committed during the War of Liberation.