DHAKA: British Minister of State for International Development Alan Duncan MP Wednesday said the trial of war crimes committed during the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971 should be conducted upholding the rule of law, as the government kick-started the prosecution process.

He noted that proper judicial process should be followed rather than any political process.

“Trial of war crime should take place following the rule of law, due judicial process, not political,” Alan Duncan said at a press briefing rounding off his two-day visit to Bangladesh.

He appreciated the initiative taken to try the war criminals even after the lapse of 40 years.

Duncan, at the same time, also appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to get rid of corruption.

“Prime Minister termed corruption as the major problem of Bangladesh when I met her,” he apprised the press.

Alan Duncan is the first UK minister visiting Bangladesh after David Cameron took office in the UK.

During his visit here, he met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia and Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni. He also visited Manikganj and Savar to see UK-funded projects on primary education, micro- finance and poverty alleviation.

BDST: 2125 HRS. JULY 14, 2010