Killings during recent student protests to be tried at International Crimes Tribunal: Law adviser
He also said the government will withdraw all cases filed across the country during the period of 1 July to 5 August centering the Anti-discrimination Student Movement
The interim government has decided to hold trials for the killings that occurred during the recent student protests at the International Crimes Tribunal, Dr Asif Nazrul, adviser on law, justice, and parliamentary affairs to the interim government, said today (14 August).
"Efforts are underway to investigate these incidents under the supervision of the United Nations," he said during a press conference at the Secretariat.
He also said the government will withdraw all cases filed across the country during the period of 1 July to 5 August centering the Anti-discrimination Student Movement.
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"Dhaka cases filed during this period will be withdrawn by tomorrow [15 August] and cases outside Dhaka by 31 August," he said.
The law adviser said the false and harassment cases could not be withdrawn within three days as cooperation of the police was necessary.
"At present, operations have resumed in all police stations. As a result, the cases will be withdrawn now."
The law adviser said there have already been some cases filed for the prosecution of incidents of mass killings and firing.
Various student organisations, human rights bodies and groups have called for whether these should be prosecuted as crimes against humanity, he added.
"We looked into that. Those who are responsible for the massacres during July and August, we have already done some research and we have found it would be possible to try them at the International Crimes Tribunal and to bring justice for all those involved in the killings and for those who gave the orders and aided them at various times.
"We believe it would be possible to investigate the involvement of even the highest level of officials in the past through these trials."
The law advisor also mentioned that efforts are underway to reorganise the International Crimes Tribunal's prosecution team. "The court will do this a bit later."
"We have been repeatedly assured of cooperation from the United Nations while trying to conduct investigations.
"We have also decided to hold a meeting with the resident representative of the United Nations of Bangladesh," he said.
