Reaction of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK)

War crime that happened during the Liberation War of Bangladesh has been resolved by the tripartite agreement of 1974- this recent comment of Pakistani High Commissioner in Dhaka is published in different newspapers. From news reports, we came to know that he said ‘The issue (trial of war crime) has been properly resolved by the tripartite agreement of 1974 between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. So our position (Pakistan government) remains the same. We obey the agreement.’

We believe, there is no connection between sending back of 195 Pakistani war prisoners according to the Simla Agreement 1974 and the trial of Razakars, Al Badars who were the local collaborators of Pakistani Military. The trial of Pakistani war prisoners and the local collaborators are totally different. It is expected from everybody to clearly specify both the issues while commenting on the trial of war criminals of 1971. Otherwise it may create confusion.

We call upon the Pakistan Government to clarify their position regarding the recent initiative of the trial of war criminals in Bangladesh according to the ‘International Crimes (Tribunal) Act 1973’. We again strongly demand the Bangladesh Government not to allow further lapse of time any more in starting the trial of war criminals. We consider this trial as a part and parcel of human rights, ensuring the dignity of humanity and of good governance. Any failure to that may cause injustice to the righteous demand of the victims and as a nation we can not absolve ourselves of the obligation we owe to our martyrs.