Preparations afoot for execution of Kamaruzzaman

Preparations were, apparently, afoot on Friday night to execute the death sentence on Muhammad Kamaruzzaman, according to private television channels and online news portals.

Security was tightened in front of the Dhaka Central Jail from Friday evening, hours after two magistrates had met the Jamaat leader at the jail.

Until filing the report at 10pm on Friday, different online news agencies and TV channels reported that some relevant officials including the deputy commissioner and the assistant civil surgeon were inside the Central Jail.

Besides, an ambulance was also kept ready in front of the jail gate and vehicular movement near the jail was also restricted. According to the reports, the preparations were being taken on orders coming from the higher authorities of the government.

It was, however, could not be confirmed whether he would seek the presidential clemency.

UNB adds:  The convicted Jamaat leader sought more time on Thursday to decide whether he will seek presidential clemency regarding his death sentence. The Jamaat leader said this to his counsel when a five-member team met him in the jail.

Dhaka Central Jail authorities on Wednesday afternoon received the copy of the Supreme Court verdict rejecting the review plea sought by Kamaruzzaman.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Monday rejected the Jamaat senior assistant secretary general's review petition against its previous verdict upholding the death penalty handed down by the International Crimes Tribunal-2 for his war crimes.