The senior BNP leader has been tried by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on charges of crimes against humanity during the country's Liberation War and the verdict is due on Tuesday.
The victims recalled the atrocities they had been subjected to once they learnt the ICT was set to deliver a judgment.
The survivors included those who testified against Salauddin Quader, an MP from Chittagong, at the ICT for torturing them during the war.
The BNP MP was indicted on Apr 4 last year on 23 war crimes charges including rape, murder, abduction and torture during Bangladesh Liberation War.
Prafulla Ranjan Sinha lost his father Nutan Chandra Sinha in 1971.
“It would be the biggest achievement for pro-liberation forces if the International Crimes Tribunal verdict finds Salauddin Quader to be a ‘Razakar’ (collaborator),” said Prafulla.
Among the many charges brought against him is the murder of Nutan Chandra, the owner of a medicine shop called Kundeshwari Oushadhalaya at Chittagong’s Raojan. Prafulla testified against Salauddin in this case.
“It is a matter of relief that the verdict is finally about to come after so many years. I want capital punishment for the killer of my father,” Prafulla said, speaking to bdnews24.com.
Journalist Nijam Uddin is also a witness against Salauddin.
“The law was intended at identifying Razakars through legal proceedings so that we can tell them on their face that they are Razakars. We hope to be able to do so,” said Nizam.
“Salauddin Quader lived with pride for long 42 years despite his role in 1971. His days of pride will come to an end if he is proved a Razakar by the court’s verdict. This is all I hope,” said Nizam.
M Salimullah himself was tortured by Salauddin in 1971. He was kidnapped, taken to Salauddin’s hilltop residence at Good’s Hill and tortured.
“He (Salauddin), who killed a great man and social activist like Nutan Chandra Sinha, must be awarded the capital punishment,” observed Salimullah.
“We will accept any verdict. But we want capital punishment.”
Torture by Salauddin Quader made him a target of those fighting for freedom. SM Mahbubul Alam had led a four-member team to kill him.
“He (Salauddin) was a well-known killer during 1971. He deserves the capital punishment.”
