Sayedee verdict ‘not this week’

There is no chance of the war crimes tribunal giving Jamaat leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee’s verdict within this week.

The International Crimes Tribunal registrar dismisses rumours, says the press would be informed beforhand

The International Crimes Tribunal registrar, Nasiruddin Mahmud, told a handful of reporters that the press would be informed a day or two ahead of the date as has been the case for both the verdicts.

“Not this week,” he said.

When asked whether there was any substance behind a strong rumour that the Jamaat-e-Islami executive council member will have his verdict delivered on Feb 14, the registrar thought for a few seconds and said dismissing it altogether, “Not a chance.”

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Abdul Quader Molla, accused of murder, rape and genocide besides other war crimes, was given life in prison on Feb 5 which sparked strong protests across the country with hundreds of thousands demanding a death penalty.

The protests led to a vigil at Shahbagh intersection at the heart of Dhaka City where tens of thousands have been shouting slogans against the war criminals, Jamaat-e-Islami, its student front Islami Chhatra Shibir and collaborators, over last six days.

Also a former district judge, Nasiruddin Mahmud told journalists on Monday, “You will get to know when the next verdict is due.”

Sayedee’s case was wrapped up on Dec 29 when the tribunal said it required more time to consider the matter. Currently, it is the only one awaiting judgement.

Famous for his religious sermons across the country, Sayedee was indicted on Oct 3, 2011 for 20 war crimes charges including murder, rape, arson and loot in and around Pirojpur’s Parerhat area.