Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said trial of war criminals involved in genocide and killing of intellectuals and who opposed the country's independence must continue.

“No one will be able to save them. Whatever the tactics and conspiracy they devise, the trial will go on,” she told a discussion at Krishibid Institution, Bangladesh organised by the Awami League marking Martyred Intellectuals Day.

She said trying war criminals who guided the Pakistani occupation forces to the grassroots and kidnapped intellectuals on the eve of victory was the only path to justice. “Truth and the just always win and this will be the same in the future,” she said.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stand in solemn silence paying tribute to martyred intellectuals after placing wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at Mirpur in Dhaka yesterday morning marking Martyred Intellectuals Day. Photos: BSS, Star

Hasina said it was very much unfortunate that people had to witness war criminals being allowed to enjoy state power and fly the national flag in their vehicles.

“The flag that we earned in exchange of millions of lives were hoisted in the vehicles of war criminals, disgracing the national flag,” she said.

She said those who let this happen would also have to face trial.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Photos: BSS, Star

“I think the time has come, people will have to be vocal. Those who nurtured war criminals, allowed them to do politics in the country, gave them the flag, are also criminals. They did not want the country's independence and they also do not like the development of the country,” she said.

“I always have the courage to face any sort of adverse situation, and my courage and power is the people of this country and the activists of the Awami League and its associate organisations. The soldiers of Mujib's ideals are my main strength,” she said.

Hasina mentioned that the trial of war criminals of World War II was still going on.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique. Photos: BSS, Star

Eminent journalist, columnist and poet Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury, son of Sirajuddin Hossain Shaheen Reza Noor and daughter of Dr Alim Chowdhury Nuzhat Chowdhury also spoke.

A one-minute's silence was observed paying respect to martyred intellectuals and freedom fighters, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the four national leaders.