July massacre trial will be completed by next Victory Day: Asif Nazrul

The trial of the July massacre will be completed by the next Victory Day, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said today. 

He made the remark during the first session on the second day of the national dialogue titled "Unity, Reform, and Elections," organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies, at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in the capital's Khamarbari. 

Asif Nazrul said the interim government has three main tasks: the prosecution of genocide, reform, and elections. "As the law adviser, my primary responsibility is to prosecute cases of genocide," he added. 

Mentioning that there were initially no judges or investigation officers in the International Criminal Tribunal (ICT), the law adviser said a prosecution team was formed within two weeks. 

"The judiciary cannot be put under question by rushing the judicial process. There will be no negligence in the legal proceedings and no delay in the judicial process," he added.

Asif Nazrul said that four significant crimes against humanity were committed during the Awami League era: the July-August killings, the BDR massacre, the Shapla Chattar killings, and enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

"As long as we are in office, we will ensure justice for these crimes," he stated.

Discussing challenges, he stressed the need for unity and prioritisation, criticising a focus on personal demands.

On the Cyber Security Act, Asif Nazrul clarified concerns about police powers.

"Within 24 hours of filing a case, it must be presented to a judge. If deemed baseless, the case can be dismissed immediately," he explained, aiming to address fears of misuse.

He reassured citizens of the government's integrity and transparency.

"We will provide accountability for our resources. On the day my term ends, I challenge the Anti-Corruption Commission and all state institutions to investigate me thoroughly."

Asif Nazrul also called for fair criticism. "Criticise us, but not in the same way as Sheikh Hasina's government. Be a bit more considerate," he urged.

Prioritising trial of key accused 

While addressing the dialogue, ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam stressed prioritising the trial of the main accused involved in crimes against humanity and enforced disappearances.

"Crimes against humanity are generally tried against top commanders. The main nucleus of the July massacre was former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The former prime minister and a few others below her are being prioritised for trial," he said. 

These remarks come amid speculation over whether the Awami League, which ruled the country since 2008 until the student mass uprising toppled the Hasina regime, will be allowed to participate in the upcoming national elections.

A number of its top leaders are facing accusations of mass killings and crimes against humanity while, according to the law, anyone convicted by the ICT will be permanently barred from contesting elections.

Tajul Islam said, "Our main focus is on the enforced disappearances and crimes against humanity that have taken place on the soil of Bangladesh. Among the main accused who ordered these crimes, our priority is to try them. We cannot try thousands of people — that is not possible. We are not moving towards that goal."

He added, "Now if we want to try everyone nationwide, it will not be possible for this tribunal. In crimes against humanity, the main accused are usually tried. That is why we are trying to try Sheikh Hasina, who was the main director here, and a few people below her first."

The chief prosecutor expressed hope that trials of the primary accused could be completed within a year.

Addressing the dialogue, Advisor to the BNP chairperson Zahir Uddin Swapan highlighted systemic issues in state institutions, saying, "The killings, disappearances, and torture, carried out by law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and those operating them, remain a challenge. Addressing this machinery is critical."

He stressed the need to separate the judiciary from the executive branch, stating, "As we move towards an interim government and free elections, the judiciary must be independent to exercise justice."

Swapan also urged for swift reforms and a free, credible election.

Attorney general stresses transparency in justice process

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman underscored the need for unity and reform to ensure justice for the July genocide and cases of enforced disappearances and murders.

"We have come here bearing the challenge of delivering justice for the July genocide, as well as the cases of enforced disappearances and murders. At this moment, unity is essential. Without unity and reform, this process of justice will be difficult," he said.

Highlighting the cracks in unity, he stated, "Currently, some are busy grabbing land, some are focused on attaining power, and others are preoccupied with gaining positions and titles. The pressure that should have been exerted on us to bring the killers to justice has not been applied sufficiently."

Asaduzzaman stressed the importance of transparency in trials, saying, "The nation expects that the justice process will be transparent. There should be no international controversy surrounding these trials. They must not be labelled as dictated verdicts."

On fabricated cases, he clarified, "The tribunal for crimes against humanity has been established under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act of 1973. This law defines crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and enforced disappearances."