The resident coordinator of the United Nations in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis on Sunday assured the International Crimes Tribunal of continuous support of the world body to continue the trial process smoothly.
鈥楪wyn Lewis said the UN would support this trial process as much as possible so that it goes on smoothly as the country鈥檚 people have an aspiration for this,鈥� ICT chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam said at a press briefing at his office in Dhaka.
Gwyn Lewis held a meeting with the ICT prosecution team at the chief prosecutor鈥檚 office in the morning. They discussed issues of mutual interest related to justice, human rights, and accountability at the meeting.
鈥榃e had an open discussion. The UN envoy wanted to know about the current stage of trial and investigation processes, whether we are facing any problems and whether we need any cooperation from the UN. She wanted to know the steps we are taking to make the trial process transparent and neutral,鈥� Tajul added.
Lewis at the meeting emphasised the United Nations鈥� commitment to supporting Bangladesh鈥檚 efforts in advancing 鈥榯ransitional justice鈥� and ensuring accountability for past atrocities.
She highlighted the importance of the ICT鈥檚 role in promoting justice and reconciliation, as well as its alignment with international human rights standards, prosecution sources said.
Tajul Islam at the time provided an overview of the tribunal鈥檚 progress, challenges and its contributions to justice for the victims of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the Liberation War.
He reiterated the tribunal鈥檚 commitment to transparency and adherence to due process while delivering justice.
鈥榃e reiterated the need for holding training programmes for the ICT prosecution and investigation agency, and said if the UN takes any step in this regard, it would be very helpful for us. We also requested for continuing the UN鈥檚 support for the trial process. She [Lewis] gave us assurance on training and technical support,鈥� he further said.
UN senior human rights adviser to Bangladesh Huma Khan was present as part of the visiting delegation, while Gazi MH Tamim, BM Sultan Mahmud, Abdullah Al Noman and Shaikh Mahdi, among others, were present for the ICT prosecution team.
