Appellate Division Acquits Khan Akram in 1971 Crimes Against Humanity Case

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has acquitted Khan Akram Hossain of Bagerhat, overturning his death sentence for crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War.

A bench headed by the Chief Justice announced the verdict on Thursday morning. The decision follows an appeal against the 2023 death sentence handed down by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). With this acquittal, the previous order for his execution has been canceled.

On November 30, 2023, the ICT sentenced seven defendants to death, including Khan Akram. The other convicts are, Sheikh Mohammad Ukil Uddin ,Md. Maqbul Mollah, Khan Ashraf Ali, Rustam Ali Mollah, Sheikh Idris Ali, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Babul

Of these, Khan Akram and two others were in custody, while the remaining four remain at large. The trial originally began in May 2017.

The accused faced seven specific charges of wartime atrocities in the Bagerhat region, An attack on Morrelganj on May 26, 1971, involving the shooting of 10 freedom fighters. The killing of four individuals in Kachua and two freedom fighters in separate operations. The kidnapping of a man from Udankhali and the prolonged torture and rape of his daughter at a Razakar camp. Physical torture and killings targeting the Hindu community in Ghazalia Bazar.

Following a detailed legal review of the evidence and the appeal, the country’s highest court determined that the charges against Khan Akram did not hold, leading to his acquittal today.