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| Bangladesh |
| War probe chief quits |
| 2010-05-06 |
| [Bangla Daily Star] Chief of the war crimes investigating agency Abdul Matin quit yesterday amid controversy over his appointment and alleged affiliation with Islami Chhatra Sangha, the then student wing of anti-liberation force Jamaat-e-Islami. Home Minister Sahara Khatun announced it at a brief news conference at her Secretariat office in presence of Matin. Earlier in the morning, Matin tendered his hand-written resignation letter to Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikder. Sahara, however, strongly defended his appointment as head of the seven-member agency formed on March 25 this year. "The government surely made a right decision," she added. Chief Prosecutor of the International War Crimes Tribunal Golam Arif Tipu contradicted Sahara's view saying the authorities made a mistake by appointing Matin. Talking to reporters at his Old High Court building office in the afternoon, he said Matin's resignation was expected since questions arose about his past political role. The prosecution earlier on April 25 urged the government to take steps against Matin following his reported political background, he added. "As there is so much controversy centring me, I think I should not continue with this position," Matin told reporters at the home ministry. He denied the allegations he was involved with Islami Chhatra Shangha, renamed as Islami Chhatra Shibir after the War of Independence in 1971. He said he was very hurt to hear the allegations brought against him. "I quit willingly thinking I should not hold such a sensitive post after the controversy." Highly placed sources say Matin stepped down as he was asked to do so. Earlier on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with a few of her cabinet colleagues on the issue as her government drew huge flak from different sections. Arif Tipu expressed the hope the authorities would appoint a suitable person as the chief investigator as soon as possible and would not commit a mistake this time. Replying to a question, he said the allegations against Matin can be placed at the tribunal if the law permits. Meanwhile, State Minister for Law Qamrul Islam said the government was not considering appointing any chief investigator, as there is no such position in the investigation agency. The members of the agency will continue to work as a team, he added. Quamrul who played a key role behind Matin's appointment said activities of the investigating agency would not be affected. He said other members of the agency will carry on their work. Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister's Adviser Dr Alauddin Ahmed raised questions about Matin's political allegiance in the years leading to the Liberation War. Veteran Awami League leader Amir Hossain Amu, MP who was elected vice-president of BM College students union in 1963 defeating Matin, confirmed that he was an activist of Islami Chhatra Sangha and its nominee in the election. Earlier in the week, Qamrul said Matin has been roped in for the task for his competency and professional integrity. "But some quarters are trying to create controversy for political gains." At the short briefing, both Sahara and Qamrul repeatedly called upon journalists to bring an end to the matter. On the fact that it is an adviser to the premier who brought the allegation, Sahara said there are more persons in the government who raised the same allegation against Matin. |
| Posted by:Fred |