‘Person is not our target, trial of crimes against humanity is’: Law Minister

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said the government’s focus is not on targeting individuals but on prosecuting crimes against humanity as Bangladesh navigates a period of constitutional and legal transition.

“The person is not our target. Our target is to accomplish the trial of crimes against humanity,” he said at a seminar marking US Constitution Day and commemorating 250 years of American democracy at the University of Dhaka on Thursday.

The event was organised by the DU Faculty of Law in collaboration with the US Embassy in Dhaka at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building.

Asaduzzaman said the government was committed to prosecuting offences classified as crimes against humanity and claimed that evidence collected so far was sufficient to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

“Let it be very clear to all of you that we are committed to trying the offences committed as crimes against humanity. That is our commitment,” he said.

His remarks came as legal proceedings continue over alleged crimes committed during the July 2024 uprising. According to figures he presented in parliament in June, 80 cases had been filed with the International Crimes Tribunal over crimes against humanity linked to the uprising. Verdicts had been delivered in seven cases, resulting in the conviction of 59 accused.

The minister also stressed the importance of constitutional governance and the rule of law, saying Bangladesh was going through a period in which both the Constitution and the economy were under pressure.

“We are passing through a time when the Constitution is our principal pillar for guiding us as we move forward,” he said.

Drawing parallels between the US and Bangladeshi constitutional systems, Asaduzzaman said both frameworks reflected principles of democratic governance. He cited freedom of speech, assembly, movement and association as fundamental democratic rights.

The minister also said constitutional issues had become part of everyday public discussion in Bangladesh.

“Our Constitution is also a subject of continuous debate, not only among jurists but also in the tea stalls of our country,” he said, adding that such discussions could increase public awareness of constitutional rights and responsibilities.

Turning to Bangladesh’s recent political history, Asaduzzaman alleged that more than 4,500 BNP leaders and activists had been killed in extrajudicial killings, around 700 people had been subjected to enforced disappearance and more than six million BNP members had faced politically motivated cases during the previous regime.

The minister said the current government had adopted a “zero tolerance” policy towards enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

“We cannot accept any complaint that the police have filed false cases against any political opponent,” he said.

Asaduzzaman said the government was dealing with a fragile economy and rule of law while pursuing cases involving alleged crimes against humanity.

“There is no hesitation in saying that our trial system, so far, has come across evidence that is beyond all reasonable doubt,” he said. “We have proved that we have sufficient materials in our hands.”

According to figures presented by the minister in parliament in June, 73 of the 80 July uprising-related crimes-against-humanity cases were still pending at the time, with 22 at the witness stage and 51 under investigation.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen attended the seminar as the guest of honour, while DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Abdus Salam was present as the special guest. Prof Dr Muhammad Ekramul Haque, acting dean of the DU Faculty of Law, chaired the session.