DHAKA: Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed Wednesday said anyone who committed crimes against humanity, mass killings and rapes during the liberation war in 1971 would be put to trial under the International Crimes Act.

“Not only Golam Azam, if witnesses could prove anyone’s involvement in crime during the liberation war, they would be brought under trial,” he said in parliament.

Replying to a question of Mostak Ahmed Ruhi, he reiterated the government’s hard stance against war criminals during the question hour.

He said there are no legal bindings for trying those who are abroad now.

Earlier, the third day’s session started with Deputy Speaker Colonel (Retd) Shawkat Ali in the chair.

Replying to another starred question from Waresat Hossain Belal,  the minister informed that Awami League had fired 43 of its members of the constituent assembly elected in 1970 for their alleged involvement in acts against the liberation war.

Nurul Amin and Raja Tridib Roy are not counted as members of constituent assembly for supporting Pakistan during the liberation war.

Replying to a question about the backlog of cases in the Supreme Court, he informed that cases pending over 15 years are 38,376 and cases over 10 years are 95, 121.

“The government is actively considering increasing the number court docks and justices in the Supreme Court to settle the cases,” he told the lawmakers.

BDST: 1947 HRS, SEPT 22, 2010