পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (দ্বাদশ খণ্ড).pdf/৪২

উইকিসংকলন থেকে
এই পাতাটির মুদ্রণ সংশোধন করা হয়েছে, কিন্তু বৈধকরণ করা হয়নি।
বাংরাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ দ্বাদশ খণ্ড
১৬

 “The International Commission of Jurists deeply anxious about the tragic events in East Pakistan. Request all possible steps to reduce death roll and urge moderation and the respect of lay in the treatment for political prisoners.”

 The telegram of April 15 states:

 “Further to (our) telegram of the 2nd April, the International Commission of Jurists deplores the reported intention to establish special military tribunals to try the Awami League leaders. Respectfully urge that proceedings before the normal civilian courts will alone satisfy international opinion that the rule of law is observed.

 The International Commission of Jurists has always disapproved of the establishment of special tribunals to try political opponents for alleged political offences. There is nothing easier than to give a semblance of legality to the assassination of political opponents by having them condemned by special tribunals which lack the independence and respect for legal principles of a properly constituted court of legally trained judges. If Sheikh Mujibur Rahman or other Awami League leaders have committed any offence under the law of Pakistan, there is no reason why they should not be brought before the internationally respected civilian courts of the country”.

 In these circumstances we consider that international opinion, which has already been incensed and shocked, should be expressed in no uncertain manner through this Committee, as the Economic and Social Council is the properly constituted organ of the United Nations concerned with human rights and fundamental freedoms. The large-scale massacre, senseless killings of unarmed civilians, including women and children, brutalities, and atrocities committed on a massive scale, widespread burning and destruction of property and the multitude of indignities inflicted on the people of Last Bengal constitute a problem of such magnitude that international conscience must be roused and international efforts must be made to restore some semblance of civilized existence in this part of the world.

II

 But there are other consequences of this massive suppression of Human Rights which also should be brought to the attention of the Committee. As a result of the military action taken in East Bengal, the number of refugees into India has already exceeded 1.8 million people. The precise figure as reported to Delhi on May 3 by the Indian authorities near the frontier was 1.481, 101. This figure has since increased considerably. By May 3, 141,588 refugees have entered Assam and Meghalaya (an Eastern State in Indian); 102,205 of these are in camps while 39.383 are outside camps, 1.200.962 refugees have entered West Bengal; 532,675 of these are in camps, which 668,287 are outside camps; 136,532 refugees have entered Tripura; 101.532 of these are in camps with 35,000 are outside camps. 2,019 refugees have entered Bihar. Thus the total number of refugees in camps is 738,431 and outside camps 742.670 on May 3, We have set up 156 camps and have approached the Secretary-General and other U.N. agencies such as the UNIICR, UNICEF, World Food Programme, World health Organisation. Apart from these, the Catholic Relief Organisation, CARITAS, is initiating action.