This write-up is in response to the opinion by Aijaz Zaka Syed, “Battling phantoms in Pakistan and Bangladesh.” (March 10)
I totally agree with his views that it’s the need of the hour for these nations to focus on their future rather than spoiling it, which is what is happening. They surely, as Zaka said, need to move on and look to the future.
The injustice in Bangladesh is crossing limits. Agreed that the culprits responsible for the loss of three million innocents back in 1970’s need to be punished, but this motive must not dissolve the necessity for a fair trial.
The leaders who are currently being accused of conspiracy and war crimes belong to an organization — Jamaat-e-Islam — the role of which can be judged based on their “long history and approach to politics.” Time has proved their innocence and pureness. The war crime tribunal established by the ruling party must be under international supervision, as this is not a minor case, but includes Jamaat leaders who are supported by a vast majority of the people mainly because of their ideology that is based on society’s welfare programs. The trial that is undergoing in Bangladesh has indeed “deeply divided Bangladesh and threatens to destabilize it” further.
This is a case which dates back to four decades and must be judged on strong evidences collected, which is not happening.
If the Bangladesh government considers itself to be on the right track, then it must have no problem in allowing the International Crime Tribunal to get involved in the process. — Tasneem Ataullah, Jubail
Need to move on
