NCP’s Akhter urges government to ensure tribunal proceedings are not delayed

Rangpur-4 MP Akhter Hossen, member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has urged the government to ensure that proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal are not slowed or obstructed in any way.

He visited the tribunal on Thursday to observe proceedings and enquire about submitting his own testimony.

Akhter said, “We humbly call upon the BNP government and the ruling party -- under no circumstances should the International Crimes Tribunal proceedings be slowed down. Under no circumstances should they be delayed or obstructed.”

He called on the prime minister to provide all necessary technical support to keep the trials dynamic and effective, and to ensure that verdicts already delivered are implemented.

Asked whether he suspected possible obstruction, Akhter said the recent election was “simultaneously a parliamentary election and a referendum”.

Akhter referred to the formation of an interim government -- describing it as beyond strict constitutional bounds but formed out of national necessity -- adding that the BNP had raised no objection to its oath.

He argued that while MPs took oath under the July Charter Implementation Order, they did not take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council.

“What suits their assumption of power, they will accept. What may bring their power under accountability, they will discard.”

He alleged the BNP had earlier opposed reforms and campaigned for a “No” vote before Tarique Rahman eventually supported a “Yes” vote under public pressure.

Akhter said he visited the tribunal to convey these concerns and ensure that any governmental “indecision” over reforms does not affect the tribunal’s proceedings.