Law to be amended to prosecute Jamaat: Law Minister

Law Minister Anisul Haque said that efforts are being made to amend the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to try Jamaat-e-Islami as a party for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.

After inaugurating a two-day training workshop for sub-registrars at the Judicial Administration Training Institute in the capital on Thursday, he said this in response to questions from reporters.

He also said that this law will be presented for amendment in the next session of the National Parliament.

The minister said, “A change in the law is necessary to judge the Jamaat as a party. This law has already been sent to the cabinet for amendment. The law will be passed in a few days, after which the trial will begin. At the same time, an initiative will be taken to speedily hear the case pending in the Appellate Division regarding cancellation of Jamaat's registration.”

The law minister said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has tried criminals against humanity; many judgments have already been implemented. 

The government will also monitor how the Election Commission (EC) disposes of Jamaat's application under a different name.

In response to another question, Anisul Haque said there is no possibility of sending BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia back to jail before the upcoming national elections.