The Jamaat-e-Islami has called a daylong nationwide strike for Tuesday to coincide with the expected verdict on its Assistant General Secretary Abul Quader Molla .
The call comes after an official of the International Crimes Tribunal said that the judges were expected to pronounce a verdict on Molla who stands accused for committing crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.
Tribunal Registrar AKM Nasiruddin Mahmud said on Monday that the second war crimes tribunal would deliver its verdict on Molla on Tuesday. Molla is facing several charges of crimes against humanity commited during the 1971 Liberation War.
Jamaat’s Acting Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan said in the statement that if a verdict reflects “the government’s blueprint” in the case, they would extend Tuesday’s shutdown to a non-stop strike from Wednesday.
The Jamaat supported the Pakistani war effort in 1971 and opposed the independence of Bangladesh.
Nine of its leaders, including its former and present chief, stand accused for committing ‘crimes against humanity’ during the war and are facing trial at the two war crimes tribunals set up by the Awami League in the last three years.
Molla was indicted for six war crimes charges on May 28, 2012 including mass murder, conspiracy and instigation in 1971.
On Jan 17, both defence and prosecution completed their arguments in the International Crimes Tribunal-2.
The Jamaat alleges that the ruling Awami League coalition is pursuing a politics of vendetta against its leaders—so it has demanded immediate repeal of the war crimes tribunals and release of all their leaders facing trial in those tribunals.bdnews24.com
