Dhaka, Feb 23 (V7N) – The Appellate Division has set Tuesday as the date for hearing the review petition filed by Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam against his death sentence in a crimes against humanity case.

The decision was made on Sunday morning by a bench of the Appellate Division headed by Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam.

Legal Proceedings and Background

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman presented the matter before the court, emphasizing that the review petition was originally scheduled for hearing on February 20 but was not held that day. The court then rescheduled the hearing for Tuesday.

The session was attended by:

  • Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam (representing the prosecution)
  • Defense lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir (representing Azharul Islam)

Earlier, on January 23, 2025, the Appellate Division postponed the review petition hearing due to the absence of one judge and set February 20 as the new date.

Verdict and Appeals

  • On December 30, 2014, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced ATM Azharul Islam to death by hanging for his involvement in crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.
  • On October 23, 2019, the Appellate Division upheld the death sentence, rejecting his initial appeal.
  • Following the verdict, Azharul Islam filed a review petition seeking reconsideration of the ruling.

With the final review hearing set for Tuesday, the case is approaching a critical juncture, with the court expected to deliver its ruling soon.

END/MSS/AJ