Asia-Pacific

Bangladesh sentences opposition leader to death

Chowdhury sentenced for involvement in killings during independence war against Pakistan

1971: An elderly Pakistani refugee is pushed aside by Indian troops advancing into the East Pakistan (Bangladesh) area during the Indo-Pakistani war. Photograph: Central Press/Getty Images
1971: An elderly Pakistani refugee is pushed aside by Indian troops advancing into the East Pakistan (Bangladesh) area during the Indo-Pakistani war. Photograph: Central Press/Getty Images
Tue Oct 01 2013 - 09:05

A special war crimes tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced a senior member of the opposition to death for his involvement in the killing of hundreds of people during the county's independence war against Pakistan in 1971.

The verdict against Salauddin Quader Chowdhury came as he stood in the dock in a packed courtroom amid tight security in the capital, Dhaka.

Attorney general Mahbubey Alam said the six-time member of parliament was found guilty of nine of 23 charges, including four counts of genocide.

Chowdhury was found guilty of aiding and ordering the killing of at least 200 people, mostly minority Hindus, during the war.

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Chowdhury’s wife said the verdict was “a farce” and that her husband would appeal.

AP