Govt vows swift justice, says party already under investigation
Opposition lawmakers on Tuesday called for the Awami League to be tried as a political party at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), accusing it of committing genocide during the July 2024 mass uprising, destroying democratic institutions and looting national resources during its time in office.
Responding to the demands, cabinet members said investigations into the Awami League as an organisation had already begun.
They also stressed that under Bangladesh's laws there is no provision for a convicted person to surrender, and that convicted criminals would be arrested immediately upon entering the country.
The issue was raised during a discussion on "recent debates on the July Uprising and the genocide trial" under Rule 68 of the Rules of Procedure in the parliament. The notice was moved by National Citizen Party (NCP) MP Akhter Hossen.
Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam said Awami League committed genocide, destroyed democracy, dismantled institutions and looted the country's resources.
He stressed that those involved in the killings during the July Uprising must be brought to justice.
Nahid, also the convener of NCP, alleged that Awami League, together with sections of the Indian media, had attempted to defame the July Uprising.
He expressed regret that some members of the ruling party, whom he described as former allies and key stakeholders in the uprising, were now speaking against it.
Akhter Hossen called for the return of "fallen autocrat" Sheikh Hasina and all those involved in genocide and crimes against humanity during the July 2024 mass uprising so that their punishment could be enforced without delay.
"We call on the government to increase the number of prosecution teams, expand the courts and tribunals, and appoint more investigating officers, so that trials at the International Crimes Tribunal can be completed swiftly," he said.
Referring to cases filed across the country, he said hundreds of cases had been lodged but no charge sheets had yet been submitted. He demanded that investigations be completed quickly, charge sheets filed and all those involved in genocide and crimes against humanity brought under the law.
Jamaat MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem said no new investigation report had been submitted to the ICT over the past six months.
He alleged that the investigation agency and the tribunal were underfunded and understaffed, and that the government had taken no effective initiative to properly oversee the cases.
Gono Adhikar Parishad MP and State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare Nurul Haque Nur appealed to the prime minister and all concerned to build political consensus on the trial of fascism.
He said no fascist force should be allowed to return to power in the future, take anti-people positions or carry out killings and massacres, adding that Awami League must be tried as a political party.
Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman said those who participated in the July mass uprising must never be forgotten, arguing that doing so would amount to betraying the nation.
Alongside ensuring benefits and opportunities for the July fighters, he demanded justice for those responsible for the July killings and said the nation would not tolerate any delay in the judicial process.
He also accused a section of media of helping the ousted regime evolve into a dangerous autocracy and questioned what action had been taken against those outlets.
He alleged they were again attempting to create confusion while the government was not giving the issue due importance.
Shafiqur further said there had been provocations along the border but the government had remained silent.
"We want to make it clear -- this is an independent country. We will guard every grain of sand of this land," he said.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said relations with neighbouring countries should be based on mutual dignity, respect and equality.
Referring to the demand for Sheikh Hasina's return from India, he said, "From the interim government until now, we have been pressing for her return. Under the extradition treaty with the neighbouring country, we demand her return so she can face trial."
He added that, if necessary, the number of tribunals, prosecution teams, investigation teams and logistics teams would be increased.
"Our foremost objective is to establish justice in this country," he said.
Citing a United Nations report, the home minister said 1,400 people had been martyred and pledged that justice would be ensured for all of them.
He added that, besides the cases before the ICT, many other cases were being tried under the Penal Code in different parts of the country and that those proceedings would also be concluded.
He urged everyone to uphold the spirit of July without politicising it.
"We will never use the spirit of July for politics, and we will forbid others from doing so," he said.
Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said that since the current government assumed office, 16 investigations had been completed, of which 12 investigation reports had been submitted. Four charges had already been framed and three cases had been decided.
He said investigations had already begun into both the Shapla Chattar massacre and the Awami League as an organisation. Plans had also been taken to launch investigations into the July killings across districts nationwide.
The law minister further alleged that threats were being issued from Delhi because of divisions among those who believe in the spirit of July.
"They are saying there will be surrender. But there is no opportunity to surrender under Bangladesh's existing laws. Convicted criminals will be arrested the moment they enter Bangladesh's borders. This is the government's commitment," he said.