Army has full support for the law: Prosecutor

Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Gazi M H Tamim has said, “The army has full support for the country’s law.”

He made the remark on Sunday while speaking to journalists after recording testimony in the six-murder case during the July uprising at Chankharpool in the tribunal premises.

When asked about the military law, the prosecutor said, “From the first and subsequent press conferences of the army headquarters, it is evident that the army has the highest respect and support for the country’s law and the court. The proof is that they presented their officers before the tribunal on the scheduled date. The prosecution has thanked the army for its assistance in enforcing the law.”

Tamim said, “Both laws are special laws of the country. But the International Crimes Tribunal Act is a law protected by the first amendment to the Constitution. It is stated that this law shall prevail over all other laws applicable in Bangladesh. Even if it conflicts with the Constitution in any case, this law will take precedence. It is clearly mentioned in Article 73A. Therefore, there is no scope for trial under the military law or any other law. The trial will be conducted only under the tribunal law.”

The date for delivering the verdict in the crimes against humanity case against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun will be set on November 13.

Regarding the day of the verdict and the lockdown declared by the Awami League in Dhaka, prosecutor Gazi Mohammad Monowar Hossain Tamim said there was no concern or fear over gatherings or political activities.

Meanwhile, lawyer Barrister M Sarwar filed a petition with the tribunal expressing his unwillingness to represent the army officers in the case. fter the petition to withdraw his name from the power of attorney, the tribunal’s two-member judicial panel led by Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmood granted the appeal.