Efforts are on to bring a law aiming to prevent contemptuous remarks about Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
The Law Commission is understood to have initiated the move amidst criticism of BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s recent remarks on the Liberation War and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Chairman ABM Khairul Haque, a former chief justice, told bdnews24.com the decision to draft such a law had been taken in the panel’s monthly meeting on Dec 13.
He said the new legislation would punish those who speak against the Liberation War and martyrs and in favour of the perpetrators of genocide in 1971.
Earlier, Khaleda’s son Tarique Rahman had made controversial remarks from London, where he currently lives.
The High Court, responding to a petition, ordered a halt to any form publicity and publication of Tarique’s comments.
Denial of genocide of ethnic minorities in various European countries and of Jews by the Nazis during World War II is a punishable offence.
Justice Haque said the law against any contempt shown to the Liberation War was being thought of along the lines of the ‘Holocaust’ law.
When asked whether the law would have provisions to punish parties or organisations denying genocide during the Liberation War, Justice Haque said they, too, should be considered responsible, but added he was unable to be specific just yet.
He said various aspects would be explored and the nature of the law examined.
“But it would certainly be against those who speak derisively about the Liberation War,” he said.
Source: bdnews24