Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. File Photo

DHAKA, May 27, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman today expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty Allah following the Supreme Court Appellate Division's acquittal of former acting Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam from all war crimes charges.

Speaking at a 'Shokrana Namaz' held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque following Zuhr prayers, Shafiqur Rahman expressed his feelings.

The prayer marked a significant moment for the party after Azharul Islam's 14-year-long imprisonment came to an end with the highest court's verdict.

"Today, we remember those who sacrificed their lives in the July Revolution and to those who were injured and crippled. It is because of their sacrifices that justice has become easy today. May Allah accept the martyrs and grant recovery and forgiveness to the injured," he said.

He described the acquittal of Azharul Islam as a sign of "divine justice" and paid tribute to Azharul's patience and unwavering faith throughout his incarceration.

The apex court today acquitted Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam of the charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes, allowing his appeal against the earlier judgment that upheld Azhar's conviction and death sentence initially handed down by the ICT-1.
 
The Appellate Division full bench, headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, pronounced the judgment this morning.
 
The apex court unanimously allowed Azhar's plea, acquitting him of the charges framed by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1, for which he had been sentenced to death.
 
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) also directed the jail authorities to release ATM Azharul Islam immediately if he is not arrested in any other case.