ISLAMABAD - Arabstoday
Our government set up the tribunal in March 2010 and it\'s in process. Government-appointed lawyers are looking into it. What is unique about this tribunal is that while there are many international laws regarding war crimes tribunals, Bangladesh is the first country to set up a domestic law for genocide and war crimes. But we lack experience and there are internal and external challenges too. Internally it is the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Externally Pakistan and the US are not sitting idle. Is there US pressure against the tribunal? Not directly. The US said the trial is an internal matter. Since the US considers Bangladesh\'s Jamaat-e-Islami a moderate Islamic party and a partner of their \"war on terror\" they would like to protect their ally. Recently, US ambassador at large for war crimes Stephen Rapp said the US wouldn\'t object if a few war criminals are tried but they\'re against the trial of any organisation. My impression is that the US supported Pakistan during Bangladesh\'s liberation war and was indirectly responsible for genocide and war crimes perpetrated by the Pakistani army. If there is a free and fair trial of the war crimes the supporters\' names will be mentioned accordingly. And that may embarrass the US.