The prosecution on Monday filed an application with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court seeking a ban on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ‘for ends of complete justice ‘as the International Crimes Tribunals in its judgments described it a terror outfit.
The prosecution filed the application along with the appeal consisting 15 grounds in line with the ICT verdict seeking capital punishment of former Jamaat chief Ghulam Azam for perpetrating crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.
On July 15, the three-member ICT-1 sentenced ex-Jamaat boss to 90 years’ imprisonment unto death for masterminding atrocities during the Bangladesh Liberation War along with Pakistan occupation forces. It also said the accused deserved the death sentence as all the allegations of crimes against humanity brought against him were proved beyond any reasonable doubt, but the tribunal showing a lenient view awarded prison terms due to his old age and geriatric conditions.
Advocate-on-record Syed Mahbubur Rahman filed the appeal with the concerned section of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. Talking to reporters, ICT prosecution cell coordinator MK Rahman said as the ICT-1 in the judgment termed Jamaat as a ‘terrorist’ organisation, the prosecution has appealed seeking its ban for a complete justice.
The High Court on August 1 declared illegal the registration of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) with the Election Commission (EC) as a political party making its rule absolute on a public interest litigation writ petition. The PIL writ petition was filed by Maulana Syed Rezaul Haque Chandpuri, secretary general of Bangladesh Tariqat Federation, and 24 others, including Islamic scholars, children of freedom fighters, Zaker Party and Samilita Islamic Jote challenging the validity of the EC decision of November 4, 2008 in this regard.
Now, the matter is pending before the Appellate Division for disposal keeping the HC verdict in operation. The Jamaat-e-Islami having no registration filed an appeal against the HC ruling over its registration. – UNB
