SC acquits Khan Akram in 1971 crimes against humanity case

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court today acquitted Khan Akram Hossain in a 1971 crimes against humanity case, overturning a 2015 verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal‑1 (ICT‑1) that had sentenced him to imprisonment till death.

A five‑member bench headed by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury allowed Akram’s appeal challenging the ICT‑1 ruling.

Akram, currently held in Kashimpur jail, will be released once the apex court’s advance order reaches jail authorities, his lawyer Barrister Imran Siddiq told The Daily Star.

“We have already applied for the advance order. I hope it will be communicated next Sunday and then Khan Akram Hossain will be released,” he said.

Meanwhile, ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said the state will decide whether to file a review petition against the Supreme Court verdict after receiving its full text.

In 2015, ICT‑1 had found Akram guilty of one charge of crimes against humanity committed in Bagerhat during the 1971 Liberation War, sentencing him to jail until death. He was acquitted of two other charges at the time.