War trial not act of revenge

Hasina says in Al Jazeera documentary

PM-Final

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ruled out an allegation that the trial of war criminals is an act of revenge, insisting that it’s rather a natural course of law.

“Sometimes you can hear the hue and cry from many quarters that you are taking revenge on the opposition and this and that. It is not true,” she told legendary journalist David Frost in a documentary aired on Al Jazeera early Saturday.

When the interviewer pointed out that her opponents claim that war trial is “flawed political show trials”, the premier replied: “I don’t know why these people are opposing it.”

Starting from the history of 1947 partition, the documentary covers a range of issues including the situation that led to Bangladesh’s Independence and the role of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the struggle and events in Hasina’s life till date including assassination of Bangbandhu and attempts on her life.

Hasina also talked about recent issues like war crimes trial, upcoming general election and the rift between Awami League and BNP.

Asked whether she, with the passage of time, has forgiven those involved in genocide in 1971, Hasina replied: “They killed our people, they raped our women, they tortured, especially those who were Bengali. They are war criminals, killers. So, they should get punished.”

When Frost referred to the criticism that those who were handed down death sentences are senior leaders from parties opposed to Hasina, the PM said: “Law will take its own course. Those who lost their family members – it is their demand that these criminals should be punished.”

She pointed out that the trial was Awami League’s one of the key election pledges.

“If you don’t try these people, you cannot move forward. Because it is just like a curse to the nation.”

When Frost, who died later on August 31, asked whether Hasina expected to win in the next general election again, the AL chief replied that it was up to the people.

“If they are satisfied, if they vote for me, I’ll come,”

Hasina insisted that she wanted to establish people’s voting and constitutional rights, saying, “They get all the chance to vote freely and fairly and choose their own government.”

Referring to the last face to face conversation between Hasina and her rival Khaleda Zia years ago, Frost asked whether she could ever work with Khaleda “seriously again, or is the rift just too wide”?

In reply, Hasina said: “We have ideological difference.”

Claiming that her party was established to ensure people’s right and that they believe in democracy, she said there was killing, conspiracy and manipulation every time there was a local election or any by-election. “So, there is a basic difference.”

Asked who to blame for disasters like Rana Plaza collapse, the PM said the responsibility to ensure safety lies with everybody.

If the buyers pay more, owners of garment factories could house their units in better buildings, she said, terming the disaster as a “wake up call for everyone”.


Source: The Daily Star