'Deep Betrayal': Sheikh Hasina's Party Slams Yunus After Court Acquits 1971 War Crimes Convict

Last Updated:May 27, 2025, 12:32 IST

In a strongly worded statement on X, the party called the Supreme Court's ruling a "national disgrace"

In the last two days, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus (R) has faced several challenges. (Image: AFP/File)

The banned political party of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League, on Tuesday condemned the acquittal of convicted war criminal ATM Azharul Islam, calling it a “deep betrayal" of the country’s 1971 Liberation War and its martyrs.

In a strongly worded statement on X, the party called the Supreme Court’s ruling a “national disgrace", saying: “War Criminal Azharul Islam Acquitted — A Deep Betrayal of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and Its Martyrs."

The post criticised Nobel laureate and interim caretaker leader Muhammad Yunus, accusing his administration of failing to protect the legacy of the country’s hard-fought independence.

“This ruling is a slap in the face to every mother who lost her child, every woman who was violated, and every freedom fighter who gave their last breath for a sovereign Bangladesh," the Awami League said.

The Awami League, now in exile or underground since the party was banned on 12 May, claim the acquittal reflects growing political compromise and a weakened judiciary under Yunus’ interim rule.

The party accused Yunus of failing to prioritise justice for war crimes, stating: “While the media keeps us distracted with overhyped narratives surrounding Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the real enemies of the nation — the war criminals who bathed in the blood of our people — are being quietly forgiven, washed clean, and welcomed back into society."

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News world 'Deep Betrayal': Sheikh Hasina's Party Slams Yunus After Court Acquits 1971 War Crimes Convict