Acquittal of Jamaat Leader Sparks Debate in Bangladesh

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh acquitted ATM Azharul Islam, a Jamaat-e-Islami leader, overturning his death sentence for war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War. The decision followed a student-led movement denouncing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's regime and raising questions on justice and political bias.

In a significant legal turn, Bangladesh's Supreme Court has acquitted ATM Azharul Islam, a senior leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, from a death sentence imposed for war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War. This move reverses the earlier ruling by the International Crimes Tribunal.

The seven-member Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, delivered the verdict, ordering Islam's immediate release unless involved in other cases. This decision comes amid heightened tension over alleged political targeting in war crime trials.

The acquittal is seen by some, including Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, as the result of last year's student-led movement opposing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. This context adds layers of complexity to ongoing debates about justice and political vendettas in Bangladesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)