The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a discussion meeting yesterday called upon all to stop using religion for politics and hold trial of war criminals.

Addressing the meeting on 'Trial of war criminals and misuse of religion' they alleged that secularism has been snatched from the Constitution to strengthen the autocracy in country.

The speakers said religion is being used as shield to frustrate the demand for ensuring rights to democracy, food and franchise.

Organised by the Combined Youth Professionals' Council (Sammilito Tarun Peshajibi Parishad), in collaboration of Dainik Bhorer Kagaj, the meeting was held at the National Press Club with Barrister Zakir Hossain, President of the organisation, in the chair.

Awami League Presidium Member Abdur Razzak said it is not possible to file a sedition case by any person or group demanding trial of war criminals. He, however, said that the nation is united for holding trial of the war criminals and anti-liberation forces and it is the Government's responsibility to form a special tribunal in this regard.

The AL leader called upon the new generation to get involved in demanding the trial of war criminals. Justice Mohammad Golam Rabbani said the trial of war criminals could be held earlier but it could not be done, as there was mistake earlier on.

CPB General Secretary Mojahidul Islam Selim said they want banning of communal politics in the country.

AL leader Prof Abu Syed said Bangabandhu had enacted the Collaborator Law to hold trial of war criminals.

Jatiya Party leader GM Kader said different measures taken by the BNP and the Jatiya Party, including making Islam the religion of state by his party were their mistakes, which lead religion into politics.

Prof Asif Nazrul said trial of war criminals cannot be done under the collaborator Act. He said it is not correct that Ziaur Rahman did not take measure for the trial of the war criminals. Shahriar Kabir said the state has to be separated from religion.

Among others, the meeting was also addressed by Col (Retd) Faruq Khan, Subid Ali Bhuiyan, Dr Arefin Siddiqui, Harun Habib, Rabiul Islam Kotwal and Subhas Singh.

Advocate Inaetur Rahim presented the keynote paper while Shamol Dutta, Editor of the Bhorer Kagaj acted as moderator.