Dhaka: In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh has acquitted ATM Azharul Islam, a top leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI), of all charges related to war crimes committed during the country’s 1971 Liberation War. The ruling overturns the death sentence handed down to him by the International Crimes Tribunal in 2014, reported the Madhyamam.
ATM Azharul Islam, who served as the assistant secretary general of BJI, was accused of being involved in genocide, murder, rape, abduction, and other crimes against humanity during the war. The tribunal had earlier found him guilty on five out of six charges and sentenced him to death for his alleged involvement in the massacre of 1,200 people in Rangpur and other atrocities.
However, the Supreme Court, after a detailed review and re-hearing of the appeal, declared him not guilty, citing lack of sufficient evidence. The verdict came from a five-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan.
In January this year, a three-member bench had delivered a split verdict on Azharul’s appeal, prompting the formation of a larger bench to deliver the final decision. The fresh bench, after months of deliberation, acquitted him of all charges.
ATM Azharul Islam has been in prison since his arrest in 2012. With the court’s latest verdict, legal experts say his release may follow soon, unless challenged by a review petition.
The ruling has sparked sharp reactions across Bangladesh. While Jamaat-e-Islami welcomed the decision as long overdue justice and a reflection of the politicisation of the tribunal, critics argue it deals a blow to efforts toward accountability for war-time atrocities.
