Bangladesh top court acquits JI leader

DHAKA:

Bangladesh's top court on Tuesday overturned a conviction against a key leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, who had been on death row since being sentenced under the regime ousted last year.

ATM Azharul Islam and who has been in custody since 2012, was acquitted of crimes against humanity by the Supreme Court, which ordered his release.

Islam, who was born in 1952, was among six senior political leaders convicted during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina, whose 15-year-long autocratic rule as prime minister ended in August 2024 when a student-led revolt forced her to flee.

Political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, are readying for hugely anticipated elections which the interim government has vowed will take place by June 2026 at the latest.