Why ATM Azharul Islam Acquittal and Release Spark Controversy

ATM Azharul Islam, a prominent and controversial political figure in Bangladesh, made headlines recently following his release from prison after the Supreme Court acquitted him of crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

- TDG NETWORK

The decision marked a dramatic turn in a decades-old saga involving grave allegations of mass atrocities, judicial scrutiny, and intense political controversy. His release has revived discussions about justice, reconciliation, and the enduring legacy of the 1971 war.

EARLY LIFE
ATM Azharul Islam, now 73 years old, was born in Lohanipara village in the Badarganj upazila of the Rangpur district in northern Bangladesh. His early life is closely linked to the socio-political upheavals of the time, culminating in the Liberation War of 1971, a pivotal event that shaped the nation's history.

1971 LIBERATION WAR
During the Liberation War, ATM Azharul Islam emerged as a commander of the notorious Al-Badr militia. This paramilitary group was formed primarily of Islamist student activists and operated in collaboration with the Pakistani Army, which sought to suppress the independence movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The Al-Badr militia became infamous for its brutal counterinsurgency activities, including targeted killings, abductions, and mass atrocities aimed at stifling pro-independence supporters.

Islam's leadership role in the Al-Badr made him a significant figure in the violent efforts to quell the revolution. Among the most horrific events attributed to him was the orchestration of the Jharuarbeel massacre in April 1971. During this tragic incident, over 1,256 innocent civilians in northern Bangladesh's Rangpur division were brutally murdered, and 13 women were raped. The massacre remains one of the darkest chapters of the Liberation War and is emblematic of the atrocities committed by militias like Al-Badr.

JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS