It is not a trial to take revenge, but anyone can come and see the trial process, commented Dr. Adviser on Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Asif Nazrul said, you should consider, after carrying out a massacre, a group is still trying to mislead. Trying to call the leaders of such a big movement of ours a juvenile gang, threatening to kill more people, every person will consider whether that group should have political rights or not.
He said this to reporters after a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights at the Secretariat on Tuesday (October 29).
The advisor also commented that it will be seen what can be decided about them after the trial process is over.
When asked whether Awami League will be able to participate in the election, Asif Nazrul said, “It is not my place to say.” Now if you think, those who have killed thousands of people, maimed another forty-fifty thousand people, took away their eyes, still they speak for that crime. Moreover, if the leaked record is correct, then their leader has still threatened to look at 287 people. A terrorist in another country is making threats, who is accused of a genocide case. Before trial, before impunity, they will run a political program to kill thousands more people? So everything will come through a process.
In response to a question about the death penalty, he said that the United Nations should abolish the death penalty in all countries. They have an optional protocol. The essence of that protocol is to abolish the death penalty. But very few countries in the world have abolished the death penalty. It will tell from their commitment. But the criminal justice system that we have, the judicial culture that we have, will prevail for us. Most importantly, no government of Bangladesh has become a party to the Optional Protocol to abolish the death penalty. No initiative has been taken by any of our governments to become a party to this Optional Protocol.
I told them that they are involved in our legal reform, if we need forensic assistance in institutional reform, they will provide it. We will do justice here. Not judging for revenge.
He said, we have nothing to hide. Anyone is welcome to come and see how we are judging. We will not do injustice as it happened in the previous court.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Asif Nazrul, Legal Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Asif Nazrul. Thank you for joining us today. You’ve recently spoken out regarding a very sensitive trial process that has caught the attention of the international community. Can you tell us more about your views on the nature of these trials?
Dr. Nazrul: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to clarify that these trials are not merely acts of revenge; rather, they serve a critical judicial purpose. They should be open to public observation, underscoring the importance of transparency in the legal process.
Editor: That’s an important point. You highlighted that there are groups trying to mislead public perception about these trials and the individuals involved. Could you elaborate on how this misinformation impacts public opinion and the political landscape?
Dr. Nazrul: Absolutely. After severe incidents of violence, it’s distressing to see certain factions label the leaders of significant movements as “juvenile gangs.” This not only undermines the gravity of the situation but also raises questions about the political rights of those involved. The public must assess whether such groups deserve a political voice, especially when there’s a history of violence and threats to civil safety.
Editor: You’ve recently met with representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. What was the main takeaway from that conversation regarding human rights and the ongoing trials?
Dr. Nazrul: Our discussions reinforced the global commitment to uphold human rights standards. The international community is watching closely, and it’s crucial that we address these issues responsibly. After all, it’s not just about the trials; it’s about ensuring justice and accountability in a broader context.
Editor: Speaking of justice, you mentioned the possibility of the Awami League’s participation in future elections. Given the gravity of the accusations against them, do you believe they should be allowed to participate?
Dr. Nazrul: It’s a complex situation. My stance is that we must allow the judicial process to unfold. Those responsible for horrific crimes cannot simply claim political legitimacy. If indeed, they have a history of violence—resulting in the loss of countless lives—this must factor heavily into any decisions regarding their political future.
Editor: That raises a critical ethical question. In light of such severe allegations, do you believe that the death penalty should be considered for those found guilty?
Dr. Nazrul: While I acknowledge the emotions surrounding such brutal crimes, I advocate for the abolition of the death penalty universally. The UN has established protocols that encourage this, recognizing the flaws in capital punishment systems worldwide. How we approach justice should align with human rights standards, and life sentences can often provide a better path toward accountability without resorting to state-sanctioned killing.
Editor: That’s a thought-provoking perspective. As a closing note, what message do you want to convey to our readers about the intersection of justice and societal healing in such tumultuous times?
Dr. Nazrul: My message is one of hope. Justice is not just about punishment; it’s about healing societal wounds. Open trials and transparent processes can lay the groundwork for reconciliation, allowing communities to move forward together. We must prioritize dialogue and understanding alongside our quest for justice.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Asif Nazrul, for sharing your insights today. It’s a crucial topic, and we appreciate your expertise.
Dr. Nazrul: Thank you for having me. The conversation around these issues is vital, and I appreciate the platform to discuss them.