The organisation of retired force members, Ex-Forces Association, has demanded trials under military law, not at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). They have demanded amendments to the law, as the military law does not contain provisions for trying “enforced disappearances”.
The leaders of the organisation made these statements at a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity auditorium in Segunbagicha on Tuesday.
In a written statement, the Association’s General Secretary, retired Lieutenant Saifullah Khan Saif, said, “Various quarters at home and abroad are engaged in attempts to muddy the internal political situation. They are spreading various rumors, trying to tarnish the image of the army. Regarding this matter, everyone must remain vigilant and should not lend an ear to rumors.”
Retired Brigadier Rokon Uddin was also present at the time.
On October 8, the ICT took cognizance of the charges in two cases concerning the incidents of enforced disappearance and torture of various individuals during the previous Awami League regime and issued arrest warrants against 30 accused. Among them, 25 were army officers. The Army Headquarters later stated that 15 of these army officers had been taken into “custody”.
At a press conference held at the Mess Alfa of Dhaka Cantonment on Saturday, the Adjutant General of the Bangladesh Army, Major General Md Hakimuzzaman, informed that 25 army officers have been accused in 3 cases. Among them, 9 are retired, one is on LPR, and 15 are currently serving.
Saif further said, “The army, in coordination with the ICT, can set an example of exemplary justice. So that in the future, no mother’s lap will be emptied, no wife will become a widow, and no child will be deprived of their father.”
