Nizami verdict fulfilled nation’s expectations: Hanif

The death sentence of Jamaat-e-Islami chief Motiur Rahman Nizami for war crimes has fulfilled the nation’s expectations, ruling Awami League leader Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif has said.

Bangladesh’s first war crimes tribunal on Wednesday handed down Nizami a death sentence for his role during the Liberation War.

He had led the notorious Al-Badr militia, which had spearheaded the execution of intellectuals towards the fag end of the war.

In an immediate reaction, Awami League Joint General Secretary Hani said, “The verdict has taken the nation a step forward in purging the stigma.”

The prosecution said the verdict ensured justice and the rule of law.

Nizami’s lawyer Tajul Islam dubbed the sentencing as being “devoid of justice”.

His party, Jamaat, has called a 72-hour general strike across Bangladesh to protest the sentence.

The war criminal, who tried his best to thwart Bangladesh’s birth, had the country’s flag fixed on his car bonnet during the BNP’s 2001-06 term.

Suspected war criminals were put on trial after the Awami League government set up a special tribunal in 2010.

“The nation will be purged of the stigma [of war crimes] under the leadership of [Prime Minister and Awami League President] Sheikh Hasina,” said Hanif.