'Victims must get compensation as right'

They said punishment like imprisonment or death penalty could give some sorts of mental satisfaction to the victims but they or their family members might be in dire need of some financial help.

The seminar on 'Victims' Compensation Rights' was organised by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) at the National Press Club in the city.

Justice Mohammad Hamidul Haque, director general of Judicial Administration Training Institute, presented a keynote paper at the seminar.

He suggested amendment to existing penal laws by adding necessary provision in the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the compensation.

He also suggested establishment of a fund which can be substantiated with the money realised in fine or compensation from the offenders.

Advocate Mahbubey Alam, president of Supreme Court Bar Association, said justice in the country is passing through judicial silence over extra-judicial killing.

Advocate Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury of Bangladesh Supreme Court called for inclusion of all in the accusation list irrespective of their direct or indirect involvement in the crime.

Ex-chairman of Bangladesh Public Service Commission Dr M Mustafa Chowdhury said it will be hard to get compensation when the government is involved in crime.

Syed Arif Niazi, chairman of the Board of Directors of HRPB, presided over the seminar.