The New Nation - Internet Edition

The trial of war criminals has come under spot light once again. I am quite surprise to see the news papers and the freedom fighters coming forward with sheer vengeance. What they have been doing for the last 36 years? Why did Mir Showkat Ali join the cabinet of Khaleda Zia's government which was formed with the support of Jammat? To me, the whole issue has been used as a political weapon. When the Care taker government talks about any radical changes either of judiciary or of legislative, many stand up and voice their opposition saying that the purpose of the interim government should only be limited to the holding of a free and fair election. Now, it's absolutely ridiculous to see some people is asking the care taker government to try the war criminals, an issue no previous governments could solve. That's one of the signs of decaying political norm in Bangladesh. The corruption issue has taken the centre stage. We, the common people of Bangladesh, want that to be done and dusted first. The whole world has seen how the leading political figures of Bangladesh made enormous wealth out of people's misery. The general public no longer care what those politicians say. They lost their credibility substantially. Could any one please tell me why not a single case has been filed against the war criminals in Bangladesh so far? People are taking petty matters to the court, but why not such a big issue as war crime? What BNP and Awami League did about it when they were in power? Absolutely nothing. Now they are trying to befool public.They have been sheltering them since the independence. Awami League did pact with Jamaat to get rid of BNP in 1996. They sat together, ate together, demonstrated together and prayed together in Sangsad Plaza with Nizami, the Imam. Just recently Abdul Jalil of Awami League did a treaty with Shaik-Ul-Hadith Azizul Haque to have them in the alliance. Where was their slogan of war criminals that time? BNP, an ally of Jamaat and other islamic parties, formed the governmrent twice with their support. They used to have plenty of Ministers and a President with Muslim League background. Now they are trying to divert the attention from mass corruption.

We also like war criminals to be tried. Why doesn't Awami League take the lead and go to the court with enough evidence to try those who committed heinous crimes during the war of our independence. The judiciary is now independent. They will definitely get justice. If they can not do it now they should make it their election pledge. So the people will have no doubt about their intension.

Our country needs stability. We want democracy to be restored as soon as possible. I totally agree with Mr Moinul Hussain, the law Adviser.The main political parties should show leadership and refrain from polarising the nation. If they fail to do so the unwanted force will be benifited.

M Ferdaus Mashud

London E12

UK