DHAKA: Former BNP leader Abdul Alim was sentenced to jail until death for his involvement in crimes against humanity during liberation war in 1971.

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 Wednesday found the ex-BNP leader guilty of nine charges out of total 17 allegations of war crimes including genocide and killings. The charge numbers are 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14.

The court awarded him to jail term till death in stead of death penalty considering the age.

Out of total 17 charges, the prosecutions failed to prove 3, 11, 13, 15, and 16 allegations.

Besides, tribunal did not make any comment on 3 and 4 allegations as prosecution failed to produce witness against the allegations.

Total charges against Alim

1. Looting of Awami League leader Meher Uddin’s house in Panchbibi, Joypurhat on April 20, 1971, setting the house ablaze that forced the family to deport from the country.

2. Murder of 370 Hindus in Karai Kadipur, Chawkpara, Sonapara, Palpara, Munshipara of Joypurhat on April 26.

3. Killing of 22 Joypurhat Awami League men in on June 18.

4. In early May, 19 pro-liberation civilians were killed in Koktara, Ghorapa, Bagjana and Kutakara in Joypurhat.

5. Killing of 67 Hindus at Pagla Dewan in Joypurhat between May 9 and 15.

6. Killing of nine people in Akkelpur, Joypurhat in May, 1971.

7. Four people of Nowda village of Panchbibi in Joypurhat were brutally killed on May 26.

8. In the end of May, 10 Hindu people of Uttar Hatsahar and Harunja Hat of Khetlal in Joypurhat were murdered.

9. On June 14, 1971, 15 youths at West Amatra of Joypurhat were killed.

10. In late June, 26 youths had been killed at Joypurhat College.

11. Killing of 19 bullock-cart pullers at Khanjanpur Khuthibari between June 25 and 30.

12. On July 26, Awami League leader Abul Kashem of Devipur Kajipara was murdered.

13. Killing of 11 young men at Bara Ghati Pukur in the first week of September.

14. Killing of three freedom fighters at Khanjanpur Khuthibari in October.

15. Killing of 25 people inside the Joypurhat Sugar Mill between October 25 and November 2.

16. Confining 29 civilians to Joypurhat Sugar Mill between October 25 and November 2.

17. Killing of freedom fighter EPR 17 wing Subeder Jabbal Hossain at the last week of November, 1971.

On September 22, the tribunal led-by Justice Obaidul Hassan concluded the proceedings of the case fixing no date and time for the verdict.

The tribunal also cancelled the bail of the accused in response to an appeal of prosecution.

Earlier on Thursday, defense lawyers concluded their argument for the BNP leader.

On June 11, 2012 the tribunal- 2 indicted Alim for his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity in 1971.

A total of 17 allegations were brought against him.

Ex-minister Abdul Alim was arrested from his Jaypurhat residence on March 27, 2011.

BDST: 1252 HRS, OCT 09, 2013
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