The ruling Awami League has expressed satisfaction over the verdict against former Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Ghulam Azam, while its political allies have expressed resentment.
The International Crimes Tribunal Monday handed down 90 years of imprisonment to Ghulam Azam for committing crimes against humanity during the Liberation War.
After the verdict, Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahabub-Ul-Alam Hanif, while talking with reporters at the party president’s Dhanmondi office, expressed satisfaction over the trial.
He, however, said people expected capital punishment but considering Jamaat guru’s age and health condition, the Awami League accepted the judgment.
The ruling party spokesman dismissed the allegation that there might be backdoor negotiation with Jamaat saying the Awami League had assumed power with a vow to try the war criminals. “The verdict will be implemented during this government’s tenure.”
Awami League’s ally Jatiya party Chairman HM Ershad said: “A 91-year-old man has been handed 90 years’ jail. It is a fair judgment. But it will instigate the Shahbagh and Shapla Chattar movements.”
In a party statement, Rashed Khan Menon, president Bangladesh Workers Party, a key ally of the Awami League, rejected the verdict expressed surprise over the ruling party’s satisfaction.
Jatiyo Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), another member of the ruling alliance, also expressed its reservation over the verdict.
JSD general secretary Sharif Nurul Ambia, while talking to the Dhaka Tribune, said the tribunal should not have considered the age of Ghulam Azam.
He suggested the government to go to higher courts against the verdict.
Gananatri Party, one other partner of the ruling alliance, also rejected the verdict. Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, General Secretary Nurur Rahman Selim said the verdict did not meet people’s aspirations.
“The court considered Ghulam Azam’s age. But it should have considered the crimes that he committed,” he said.
