Bangladesh ought to follow a logical course

The parliament in Bangladesh has bowed to the force of mass demonstrations and strengthened the powers of a war crimes tribunal, which can punish any organisation whose members carried out crimes against Bangladesh’s fight for independence.

The move has the potential to throw the nation into a state of anarchy, as the Jamaat-e-Islami prepares to protest against the decision. A reading of the situation shows that it was a politically motivated decision. The Jamaat, which was seen as anti-government during the freedom struggle, is a backer of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), which is a bitter political rival of current Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina’s Awami League. In retrospect, however, while one does not pardon the role of conspirators during the country’s struggle for freedom in 1971, it must be acknowledged that those found guilty have already been sentenced for their acts. It will seem pointless, after a span of four decades, to try the same person twice for the same crime. While public opinion can sometimes be a vital barometer, parliament must be seen to be doing the right thing, especially if a decision has the potential to threaten internal stability.