Apex court verdict on 1971 war crimes convict Akram’s appeal tomorrow
He was sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in 2023 for crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War.
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict tomorrow (26 February) on the appeal filed by Khan Akram Hossain, one of seven individuals sentenced to death for crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War.
He was sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in 2023 for his involvement in wartime atrocities.
A bench headed by the Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury fixed the date today (25 February). Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam represented the state during the court proceedings.
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On 30 November 2023, the ICT sentenced seven individuals from Bagerhat to death for their involvement in crimes against humanity. The convicts were Khan Akram Hossain, Sheikh Md Ukil Uddin, Md Mokbul Mollah, Khan Ashraf Ali, Rustam Ali Mollah, Sheikh Idris, and Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Babul.
Following the verdict, Khan Akram filed an appeal.
The convicts faced seven specific charges related to murder, abduction, arson, looting, and torture across various areas of Bagerhat in 1971. According to the prosecution, the accused led attacks on innocent and unarmed civilians in Morrelganj's Chapri and Teligati, and Kachua's Hazrakhali, Baikali Ramnagar, Bilkul, Bichat, Udankhali, and Gazalia Bazar.
The chargesheet detailed incidents of shooting civilians to death, abduction, and large-scale arson.
Furthermore, several charges included the torture and rape of women held captive at camps. The victims included freedom fighters, pro-liberation civilians, and members of the Hindu community.
Legal experts believe the Appellate Division's verdict will clarify the final legal standing of the case and the execution of the tribunal's original order.
