Jamaat Hails Army Stance on Justice for War Crimes

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed strong support for the Bangladesh Army’s announcement backing the ongoing judicial proceedings against individuals accused of crimes against humanity, describing it as a positive and necessary step towards ensuring justice and accountability.

In a statement issued early Sunday, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman welcomed the army’s stance, saying it reflected a sincere effort to uphold the rule of law and restore public confidence in state institutions.

“The army has already made a clear declaration of its support for the judicial process, and the accused individuals have been taken into military custody. We welcome this initiative of the army,” said Shafiqur Rahman.

According to official sources, 15 army officers have been taken into custody after the International Crimes Tribunal issued arrest warrants in several cases linked to enforced disappearances and torture allegedly committed during the previous Awami League government’s tenure.

Army pledges justice

On Saturday, Major General Md Hakimuzzaman, Adjutant General of the Bangladesh Army, reaffirmed the force’s full cooperation with the judicial process, stating that the military will “stand by the truth and will not compromise on justice.”

His remarks came amid growing public attention to the cases involving alleged human rights violations by some members of the security forces.

Jamaat calls for fair and transparent trial

The Jamaat chief said the process of holding accountable those responsible for enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and human rights abuses had finally begun.

He noted that while the nation takes pride in its patriotic armed forces, a small number of individuals had tarnished the institution’s honour by violating human rights and the law.

“The people of Bangladesh wish to remain proud of their patriotic armed forces. Regrettably, some members failed to uphold respect for the country’s laws and human rights,” he said.

Shafiqur Rahman further alleged that during the previous government’s rule, these individuals had acted under political influence, becoming “blind collaborators in executing its agenda of eliminating opponents.”

He said this led to a climate of fear marked by abductions and killings, which deeply affected the nation’s conscience.

‘Justice should target only the guilty’

Emphasising that the wrongdoing of a few should not discredit the entire institution, the Jamaat leader said responsibility must lie solely with those directly involved in crimes.

He expressed hope that no injustice would be done and that trials would proceed transparently so that the guilty are punished while the innocent are protected.

“Through a fair judicial process, the specific perpetrators will face due punishment. This will not only remove the burden of the past but also prevent any recurrence of such abuses in the future,” he said.

According to Shafiqur Rahman, genuine justice would ultimately strengthen the nation’s institutions and help ensure that no one misuses state power or position to harm citizens again.

He concluded by urging all citizens and institutions to support the process of truth, accountability, and national healing, saying it is the only path to restoring Bangladesh’s moral and democratic integrity.