Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – The United States supports the ongoing trial of the people who committed crimes against humanity during the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
The US, however, also stressed the need for holding the trial in a free and fair way, Victoria Nuland, the spokesperson of the US Department of State, said at a press briefing in Washington DC on January 22, according to a press statement.
“The United States supports bringing to justice those who commit such crimes. However, we believe that any such trials must be free, fair, and transparent, and in accordance with domestic standards and international standards Bangladesh has agreed to uphold through its ratification of international agreements, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” it noted.
It also said: “As Bangladesh addresses the legacy of atrocities committed during the Liberation War and as we await further verdicts by the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal, the United States urges the Government of Bangladesh to adhere to the due process standards that are part of its treaty obligations, and to fully respect the rule of law.”
The statement also said the United States notes the conviction and death sentence announced Monday by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) following the trial in absentia of Abul Kalam Azad for crimes against humanity committed during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War.
BBN/SSR/AD-23Jan13-1:50 pm (BST)
