SC sets Jan 23 for hearing on ATM Azhar's review petition

The Appellate Division on Thursday set January 23 for hearing a review petition submitted by death-row convict and Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam in connection with crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War, reports UNB.

A five-member bench, led by Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed, fixed the date after senior lawyer Barrister Abdur Razzak, accompanied by others, submitted the review petition on behalf of the Jamaat leader.

Following his arrest, ATM Azhar faced nine charges of crimes against humanity.

According to the chargesheet, he was 'responsible' for killing 1,256 people, abducting 17, and raping 13 women during the Liberation War in the Rangpur region. Besides, he was said to have tortured civilians, set fire to hundreds of houses, and committed other atrocities.