Jamaat men to be tried for 1971 roles: Minister

“We’re trying to conduct trials of war criminals,” he said after Muktodhara Foundation handed over a letter from New York governor announcing September 25 as ‘Bangladesh Immigration Day’. 

Jamaat, as a party, sided with Pakistani occupation forces and openly opposed Bangalis’ struggle for freedom. Most of the convicted war criminals are from Jamaat – Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party.

The High Court declared the party’s registration with the Election Commission “illegal and void” on August 1, 2013. Jamaat has moved the Appellate Division.

“If the Appellate Division upholds the High Court verdict, then they’ll no longer be able to function as a political party in Bangladesh,” Minister Anisul said. 

Asked what government will do if Jamaat leaders form new parties, he said: “We’ll look into it.”