Verdict reflects people’s aspiration, says Law Minister

UNB, Dhaka :
In an immediate reaction to the death sentence of Jamaat-e-Islami policymaker Mir Quasem Ali for war crimes, Law Minister Anisul Haq on Sunday said peoples’ aspiration has been reflected through the verdict.
Talking to reporters at his government residence in the capital’s Gulshan area, the Law Minister expressed his satisfaction over the verdict given by the International Crimes Tribunal-2 and said, “Peoples’ aspiration has been reflected by this verdict.””The verdict is also a reflection of the efforts of the previous Awami League-led government following the pledges made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before the 2008 parliamentary polls,” he added. Anisul Haq said he feels gratified that the war criminals who had earlier enjoyed ministership and political privileges have been brought to justice and are facing the punishment through due process of law. Asked how long it will take to execute the verdict, he said the judiciary is independent adding that as far as he has been apprised of the trial by the prosecution lawyers they have won the case on a very firm ground. When asked about the verdict of the Appellate Division against Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain Syedee Anisul Haq said he had learned from the prosecution lawyers that although they were able to present enough witnesses and evidences to ensure the punishment of Sayedee in the war crimes cases, those were not strong enough for the capital punishment.
The Appellate Division on September 17 commuted the death sentence of Sayedee handed down by the International Crimes Tribunal-1.