Sayeed Muhammad: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stressed on introducing a Nuremberg trial system in Bangladesh– a system that does not require any witnesses to war criminals.”There is no need for any witness for trials of war criminals as there are documents stating the verity of the crimes. Justices in Nuremberg did not take any witnesses, and that trial worked for the criminals of World War II. We can take such steps in our country, too,” the premier said. Hasina, also the Awami League chief, made the comment while being greeted by her party colleagues on the occasion of the anniversary of her homecoming day at Ganobhaban in Dhaka yesterday. Describing how witnesses to war crimes are facing persecution, she stated: “I have received complaints of many such incidents and taken steps to prevent them.”The prime minister said the attackers of witnesses will also be treated as war criminals, urging the Awami League leaders and activists to look after the witnesses.
Hasina said, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, after the country’s independence, wanted to rebuild the country, thus, becoming engaged in massive development spree.
Stating that the country’s GDP was above 7% when the conspirators struck, the prime minister said, “That means Bangladesh would have stood up and gotten established as an independent country had there been no conspiracy. The conspirators wanted to turn Bangladesh into a failed state.” Briefly describing the horrible days of the Zia regime, she said all the institutions of an independent country were destroyed and the reign of anarchy persisted until 1996, when Awami League returned to power after 21 years.Mentioning that the Awami League government was working hard to fulfill Bangabandhu’s desires to free Bangladesh from poverty and hunger, she said the soul of him will find peace in this achievement.Criticising a section of people who have reservations against Awami League rule, she said this quarter always prefers to lick the boots of any possible military junta.