He welcomed Bangladesh's effort at trying its citizens accused of these 'war crimes' and lauded amendments to the International Crimes Tribunals Act, 1973.

Matas said the principle of the law was 'very good but the rules of the law must be more specific'.

On the act's jurisdiction to try only the perpetrators within the territory of Bangladesh, he said Bangladesh could try the Pakistani perpetrators only if they showed up here.

'But, that is not likely. So, Pakistan should bring the war criminals living in its land to justice. It is Pakistan's responsibility,' said Matas, representative of the International Commission of Jurists.

Dhaka has secured support of the UN, which has nominated a three member panel. It has also sought help from the US and Britain, which were closely involved in the diplomatic moves during 1971 and Germany that has past experience of trying World War II accused.

Dhaka hopes to begin the trial process next month, its Law Minister Shafique Ahmed has said.

The accused include many former members of the militia and top leaders of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-islami, the country's largest Islamist party.