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{{short description|Bangladeshi politician}} | {{short description|Bangladeshi politician}} | ||
{{Use British English|date=July | {{Use British English|date=July 2022}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=July | {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}} | ||
{{Infobox | {{Infobox criminal | ||
| honorific-prefix | | honorific-prefix = | ||
| name | | name = Ghulam Azam | ||
| honorific-suffix | | honorific-suffix = | ||
| image | | image = Ghulam Azam Office 2009.jpg | ||
| caption | | caption = | ||
| birth_date | | birth_date = {{Birth date|df=y|1922|11|7}} | ||
| birth_place | | birth_place = [[Dacca]],<ref>{{cite book |last=Esposito |first=John L. |title=The Oxford Dictionary of Islam |year=2004 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-512559-7 |page=95}}</ref> [[Bengal Presidency]], [[British Raj|British India]] | ||
| death_date | | death_date = {{death date and age|df=y|2014|10|23|1922|11|7}} | ||
| death_place | | death_place = [[Dhaka]], [[Bangladesh]] | ||
| resting_place | | resting_place = [[Moghbazar]], Dhaka<ref name=buried/> | ||
| nationality = [[British India]]n (1922–1947)<br /> | | nationality = [[British India]]n (1922–1947)<br /> | ||
[[Pakistan]]i (1947–1994)<br /> | [[Pakistan]]i (1947–1994)<br /> | ||
[[Bangladesh]]i (1994–2014) | [[Bangladesh]]i (1994–2014) | ||
| party | | party = [[Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami]] | ||
| spouse | | criminal_status = [[Deceased]] | ||
| children | | spouse = Afifa Azam | ||
| alma_mater | | children = 6 | ||
| occupation | | alma_mater = [[Dhaka University]] | ||
| signature | | occupation = Teacher, Leader of [[Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh]] | ||
| known_for | | signature = | ||
| known_for = Islamic Politics | |||
| criminal_penalty | | criminal_penalty = 90 years imprisonment | ||
| module | | module = {{Infobox officeholder | embed = yes | ||
| office = Leader of [[Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh]] | | office = Leader of [[Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh]] | ||
| term_start = 1960 | | term_start = 1960 | ||
| Line 34: | Line 34: | ||
| otherparty = | | otherparty = | ||
}} | }} | ||
| conviction = [[Conspiracy (criminal)|Conspiracy]] and [[incitement]] in committing [[genocide]] in 1971 [[Liberation war of Bangladesh]] | |||
}} | }} | ||
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Azam was arrested by the [[Government of Bangladesh]] on 11 January 2012 after he was found guilty in war crimes charges during the 1971 [[Bangladesh Liberation War]]. | Azam was arrested by the [[Government of Bangladesh]] on 11 January 2012 after he was found guilty in war crimes charges during the 1971 [[Bangladesh Liberation War]]. | ||
He founded the [[Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh]] for East Pakistan during 1971 unrest that was aimed at to oppose the independence of Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite book |last=Uddin |first=Sufia M. |date=2006 |title=Constructing Bangladesh: Religion, Ethnicity, And Language in an Islamic Nation |publisher=University of North Carolina |page=169 |isbn=978-0-8078-3021-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Evans |first=H. |date=2001 |chapter=Bangladesh: An Unsteady Democracy |editor-last1=Shastri |editor-first1=A. |editor-last2=Wilson |editor-first2=A. |title=The Post-colonial States of South Asia:Democracy, Development and Identity |publisher=Palgrave |page=71 |isbn=978-0-312-23852-0}}</ref> He led the party until 2000.<ref name=DT-001/><ref name=DS-verdict-1/><ref name="aljazeera15">{{cite news |title=Azam found guilty of Bangladesh war crimes |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/07/201371575422931245.html | | He founded the [[Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh]] for East Pakistan during 1971 unrest that was aimed at to oppose the independence of Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite book |last=Uddin |first=Sufia M. |date=2006 |title=Constructing Bangladesh: Religion, Ethnicity, And Language in an Islamic Nation |publisher=University of North Carolina |page=169 |isbn=978-0-8078-3021-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Evans |first=H. |date=2001 |chapter=Bangladesh: An Unsteady Democracy |editor-last1=Shastri |editor-first1=A. |editor-last2=Wilson |editor-first2=A. |title=The Post-colonial States of South Asia:Democracy, Development and Identity |publisher=Palgrave |page=71 |isbn=978-0-312-23852-0}}</ref> He led the party until 2000.<ref name=DT-001/><ref name=DS-verdict-1/><ref name="aljazeera15">{{cite news |title=Azam found guilty of Bangladesh war crimes |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/07/201371575422931245.html |publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=15 July 2022}}</ref><ref name="euronews15">{{cite news |title=Bangladesh: Islamist leader found guilty of war crimes |url=http://www.euronews.com/2013/07/15/bangladesh-islamist-leader-found-guilty-of-war-crimes/ |work=Euronews |access-date=15 July 2013 |archive-date=24 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024152517/https://www.euronews.com/2013/07/15/bangladesh-islamist-leader-found-guilty-of-war-crimes |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Islamic Voice">{{cite web |url=http://www.islamicvoice.com/december.2000/news.htm#peo |title=Prof. Ghulam Azam Retires |website=Islamic Voice |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010306135526/http://www.islamicvoice.com/december.2000/news.htm#peo |archive-date=6 March 2001}}</ref> | ||
On 15 July 2013, a Bangladeshi special tribunal, the [[International Crimes Tribunal (Bangladesh)|International Crimes Tribunal]] found him guilty of war crimes such as conspiring, planning, incitement to and complicity in committing genocide and was sentenced to 90 years in jail.<ref name="aljazeera15" /><ref name="euronews15" /> The tribunal stated that Azam deserved capital punishment for his activity during [[Liberation war of Bangladesh]], but was given a lenient punishment of imprisonment because of his age and poor health condition.<ref name=DT-001>{{cite news |last=Islam |first=Udisa |date=15 July 2013 |title=Ghulam Azam spared death |url=http://archive.dhakatribune.com/law-amp-rights/2013/jul/16/ghulam-azam-spared-death |newspaper=[[Dhaka Tribune]] |access-date=20 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917040836/http://archive.dhakatribune.com/law-amp-rights/2013/jul/16/ghulam-azam-spared-death |archive-date=17 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=DS-verdict-1>{{cite news |last1=Manik |first1=Julfikar Ali |last2=Khan |first2=Mahbubur Rahman |date=16 July 2013 |title=Ghulam Azam Deserves death, gets 90 years |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news/ghulam-azam-jailed-for-90-years |newspaper=The Daily Star |access-date=20 October | On 15 July 2013, a Bangladeshi special tribunal, the [[International Crimes Tribunal (Bangladesh)|International Crimes Tribunal]] found him guilty of war crimes such as conspiring, planning, incitement to and complicity in committing genocide and was sentenced to 90 years in jail.<ref name="aljazeera15" /><ref name="euronews15" /> The tribunal stated that Azam deserved capital punishment for his activity during [[Liberation war of Bangladesh]], but was given a lenient punishment of imprisonment because of his age and poor health condition.<ref name=DT-001>{{cite news |last=Islam |first=Udisa |date=15 July 2013 |title=Ghulam Azam spared death |url=http://archive.dhakatribune.com/law-amp-rights/2013/jul/16/ghulam-azam-spared-death |newspaper=[[Dhaka Tribune]] |access-date=20 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917040836/http://archive.dhakatribune.com/law-amp-rights/2013/jul/16/ghulam-azam-spared-death |archive-date=17 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=DS-verdict-1>{{cite news |last1=Manik |first1=Julfikar Ali |last2=Khan |first2=Mahbubur Rahman |date=16 July 2013 |title=Ghulam Azam Deserves death, gets 90 years |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news/ghulam-azam-jailed-for-90-years |newspaper=The Daily Star |access-date=20 October 2022}}</ref><ref name=PBD>{{cite news |last=Ahmed |first=Tanim |date=15 July 2013 |title=Prosecution Blamed for Delay |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/07/15/prosecution-blamed-for-delay |newspaper=[[Bdnews24.com]] |access-date=15 July 2022}}</ref> The trial was criticized by several international observers, including [[Human Rights Watch]] and [[Amnesty International]]. Human Rights Watch, which was initially supportive of a trial subsequently criticized "strong judicial bias towards the prosecution and grave violations of due process rights", calling the trial process deeply flawed and unable to meet international fair trial standards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bangladesh: Azam Conviction Based on Flawed Proceedings |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2013/08/16/bangladesh-azam-conviction-based-flawed-proceedings |publisher=Human Rights Watch|date=16 August 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bangladesh: Azam Trial Concerns |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2013/08/16/bangladesh-azam-trial-concerns |publisher=Human Rights Watch|date=16 August 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2013/02/bangladesh-resist-pressure-to-push-for-death-sentences-at-war-crimes-tribunal/ |title=Bangladesh: Resist pressure to push for death sentences at war crimes tribunal |date=15 February 2013 |publisher=Amnesty International}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bangladesh: Resist pressure to push for hasty death sentences at war crimes Tribunal |url=https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/12000/asa130032013en.pdf |date=22 February 2013 |publisher=Amnesty International}}</ref> Notably, it was at the center of the [[2012 ICT Skype controversy]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Sabir |first=Mustafa |date=21 January 2013 |title=Bangladesh's watershed war crimes moment |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21133320 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> | ||
As a leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami, he led the formation of the [[East Pakistan Central Peace Committee|Shanti Committees]] that were formed at the time of the Liberation War alongside other pro-Pakistan Bengali leaders.<ref name="dailypakistan_april_11_1971" /> Azam was accused of forming paramilitary groups for the Pakistani Army, including [[Razakars (Pakistan)|Razakars]], and [[Al-Badr (East Pakistan)|Al-Badr]].<ref name="Wall Street Journal"/> These [[militia]]s opposed the [[Mukti Bahini]] members who fought for the independence of Bangladesh, and also stand accused of war crimes.<ref name="dailypakistan_april_11_1971" /><ref>{{cite news |script-title=bn:ভারতীয় চক্রান্ত বরদাস্ত করব না |trans-title=We will never tolerate Indian conspiracy |newspaper=[[The Daily Sangram]] |language=bn |date=13 April 1971}}</ref><ref name="Rubin2010">{{cite book |last=Rubin |first=Barry A. |date=2010 |title=Guide to Islamist Movements |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wEih57-GWQQC&pg=PA59 |publisher=M.E. Sharpe |page=59 |isbn=978-0-7656-4138-0}}</ref><ref name="Fair2010">{{cite book |last=Fair |first=C. Christine |date=2010 |title=Pakistan: Can the United States Secure an Insecure State? |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RC-ANwtR_SoC&pg=PA22 |publisher=Rand Corporation |pages=21–22 |isbn=978-0-8330-4807-3}}</ref> | As a leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami, he led the formation of the [[East Pakistan Central Peace Committee|Shanti Committees]] that were formed at the time of the Liberation War alongside other pro-Pakistan Bengali leaders.<ref name="dailypakistan_april_11_1971" /> Azam was accused of forming paramilitary groups for the Pakistani Army, including [[Razakars (Pakistan)|Razakars]], and [[Al-Badr (East Pakistan)|Al-Badr]].<ref name="Wall Street Journal"/> These [[militia]]s opposed the [[Mukti Bahini]] members who fought for the independence of Bangladesh, and also stand accused of war crimes.<ref name="dailypakistan_april_11_1971" /><ref>{{cite news |script-title=bn:ভারতীয় চক্রান্ত বরদাস্ত করব না |trans-title=We will never tolerate Indian conspiracy |newspaper=[[The Daily Sangram]] |language=bn |date=13 April 1971}}</ref><ref name="Rubin2010">{{cite book |last=Rubin |first=Barry A. |date=2010 |title=Guide to Islamist Movements |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wEih57-GWQQC&pg=PA59 |publisher=M.E. Sharpe |page=59 |isbn=978-0-7656-4138-0}}</ref><ref name="Fair2010">{{cite book |last=Fair |first=C. Christine |date=2010 |title=Pakistan: Can the United States Secure an Insecure State? |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RC-ANwtR_SoC&pg=PA22 |publisher=Rand Corporation |pages=21–22 |isbn=978-0-8330-4807-3}}</ref> | ||
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He lived informally in Bangladesh from 1978 to 1994 without any authorised Bangladeshi visa. His citizenship was then reinstated by the [[Supreme Court of Bangladesh]].<ref name="alo people's court"/><ref name="taj"/><ref name="Hossain" /> | He lived informally in Bangladesh from 1978 to 1994 without any authorised Bangladeshi visa. His citizenship was then reinstated by the [[Supreme Court of Bangladesh]].<ref name="alo people's court"/><ref name="taj"/><ref name="Hossain" /> | ||
Azam was arrested on 11 January 2012 by the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh on the charges of committing war crimes during the Bangladesh liberation war.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Manik |first1=Julfikar Ali |last2=Sarkar |first2=Ashutosh |date=12 January 2012 |title=Ghulam Azam lands in jail |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-218007 |newspaper=The Daily Star}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sarkar |first1=Ashutosh |last2=Laskar |first2=Rizanuzzaman |date=13 December 2011 |title=Ghulam faces 52 charges |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-213916 |newspaper=The Daily Star}}</ref> The tribunal rejected the plea of bail after noting that there were formal charges against Azam of which it had taken cognisance.<ref name=Bail>{{cite news |title=ICT further denies bail to Ghulam Azam |url=http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-82609 |newspaper=UNB Connect |date=26 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724032010/http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-82609 |archive-date=24 July | Azam was arrested on 11 January 2012 by the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh on the charges of committing war crimes during the Bangladesh liberation war.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Manik |first1=Julfikar Ali |last2=Sarkar |first2=Ashutosh |date=12 January 2012 |title=Ghulam Azam lands in jail |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-218007 |newspaper=The Daily Star}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sarkar |first1=Ashutosh |last2=Laskar |first2=Rizanuzzaman |date=13 December 2011 |title=Ghulam faces 52 charges |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-213916 |newspaper=The Daily Star}}</ref> The tribunal rejected the plea of bail after noting that there were formal charges against Azam of which it had taken cognisance.<ref name=Bail>{{cite news |title=ICT further denies bail to Ghulam Azam |url=http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-82609 |newspaper=UNB Connect |date=26 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724032010/http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-82609 |archive-date=24 July 2022}}</ref><ref name=faints>{{cite news |date=26 November 2012 |title=Prof Azam transferred to 'Prison Cell' of BSMMU |url=http://bdinn.com/news/29685/ |newspaper=BDINN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106203539/http://www.bdinn.com/news/29685/ |archive-date=6 January 2022}}</ref><ref name=bail1>[http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/rights-managed/42-31711685/ghulam-azam-is-hospitalised-after-he-loses Ghulam Azam is hospitalised after he loses bail appeal over war crimes], [[Branded Entertainment Network|Corbis]], 11 January 2012</ref><ref name=hospital>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam taken to hospital |url=http://bdnews24.com/politics/2012/07/19/ghulam-azam-taken-to-hospital |newspaper=[[Bdnews24.com]] |date=19 July 2022}}</ref> | ||
He was 91 when he died of a stroke on [[Deaths in 2014#23|23 October 2014]] at [[BSMMU]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam dies |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2014/10/24/ghulam-azam-dies |work=[[Bdnews24.com]] |date=October 2014 |access-date=23 October | He was 91 when he died of a stroke on [[Deaths in 2014#23|23 October 2014]] at [[BSMMU]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam dies |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2014/10/24/ghulam-azam-dies |work=[[Bdnews24.com]] |date=October 2014 |access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref> | ||
Thousands of people attended his funeral prayers that were televised and held at the National Mosque of Bangladesh [[Baitul Mukarram]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Thousands attend funeral for former Bangladesh Islamist leader |url=https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/video/thousands-attend-funeral-former-bangladesh-102157682.html |agency=[[Reuters]] |date=October 2014 |access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref> | |||
== | ==Early life and education== | ||
Azam was born on 7 November 1922 in [[ | Azam was born on 7 November 1922 in his maternal home, the [[Mia Shaheb Moidan|Shah Saheb Bari]] of Lakshmibazar, [[Dacca]], [[Bengal Presidency]]. He was the eldest son of Ghulam Kabir and Sayeda Ashrafunnisa. His father was a ''[[mawlana]]'' who hailed from the village of Birgaon in [[Nabinagar Upazila|Nabinagar]], [[Brahmanbaria District|Brahmanbaria]], [[Meghna Division|Tipperah District]]. Azam's education began at the local ''[[madrasa]]'' in Birgaon and then completed his secondary school education in [[Dhaka]]. After that, he enrolled at [[Dacca University]] where he completed BA and MA degrees in [[Political science]].<ref name="Hossain">{{cite journal |last1=Hossain |first1=Ishtiaq |last2=Siddiquee |first2=Noore Alam |year=2004 |title=Islam in Bangladesh Politics: the role of Ghulam Azam of Jamaat-i-Islaami |journal=Inter-Asia Cultural Studies |volume=5 |issue=3 |page=385 |doi=10.1080/1464937042000288688|s2cid=146155342 }}</ref> | ||
==Early political career== | ==Early political career== | ||
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===Activities during 1971 War=== | ===Activities during 1971 War=== | ||
During the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]], Azam took a political stance in support of unified Pakistan,<ref>{{cite book |last=Salik |first=Siddiq |date=1977 |title=Witness to Surrender |publisher=The University Press Limited |location=Dhaka |page=93 |isbn=978-984-05-1373-4}}</ref> and repeatedly denounced Awami League and [[Mukti Bahini]] secessionists,<ref name="sangram1971" /> whose declared aim after 26 March 1971 became the establishment of an independent state of Bangladesh in place of East Pakistan. Excerpts from Azam's speeches after 25 March 1971 used to be published in the spokespaper of the [[Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami]] named ''[[The Daily Sangram]]''. On 20 June 1971, Azam reaffirmed his support for the Pakistani army by citing that 'the army has eradicated nearly all criminals of East Pakistan'.<ref name="sangram1971">{{cite news |script-title=bn:একাত্তরে গোলাম আযমের বিবৃতি |trans-title=Ghulam Azams speeches in 1971 |url=http://www.prothom-alo.com/detail/news/215745 |newspaper=[[Prothom Alo]] |language=bn |date=11 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114120120/http://www.prothom-alo.com/detail/news/215745 |archive-date=14 January | During the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]], Azam took a political stance in support of unified Pakistan,<ref>{{cite book |last=Salik |first=Siddiq |date=1977 |title=Witness to Surrender |publisher=The University Press Limited |location=Dhaka |page=93 |isbn=978-984-05-1373-4}}</ref> and repeatedly denounced Awami League and [[Mukti Bahini]] secessionists,<ref name="sangram1971" /> whose declared aim after 26 March 1971 became the establishment of an independent state of Bangladesh in place of East Pakistan. Excerpts from Azam's speeches after 25 March 1971 used to be published in the spokespaper of the [[Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami]] named ''[[The Daily Sangram]]''. On 20 June 1971, Azam reaffirmed his support for the Pakistani army by citing that 'the army has eradicated nearly all criminals of East Pakistan'.<ref name="sangram1971">{{cite news |script-title=bn:একাত্তরে গোলাম আযমের বিবৃতি |trans-title=Ghulam Azams speeches in 1971 |url=http://www.prothom-alo.com/detail/news/215745 |newspaper=[[Prothom Alo]] |language=bn |date=11 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114120120/http://www.prothom-alo.com/detail/news/215745 |archive-date=14 January 2022}}</ref> | ||
During the war of 1971, it was alleged that Azam played a central role in the formation of [[East Pakistan Central Peace Committee]] on 11 April 1971, which declared the independence movement a conspiracy planned by India.<ref name="dailypakistan_april_11_1971">ঢাকায় নাগরিক শান্তি কমিটি গঠিত (Citizen's Peace Committee formed in Dhaka), Daily Pakistan, 11 April 1971.</ref><ref name="daily_star_peace_committee">{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam was on Peace Committee |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news/ghulam-azam-was-on-peace-committee |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=12 March 2013 |access-date=13 March | During the war of 1971, it was alleged that Azam played a central role in the formation of [[East Pakistan Central Peace Committee]] on 11 April 1971, which declared the independence movement a conspiracy planned by India.<ref name="dailypakistan_april_11_1971">ঢাকায় নাগরিক শান্তি কমিটি গঠিত (Citizen's Peace Committee formed in Dhaka), Daily Pakistan, 11 April 1971.</ref><ref name="daily_star_peace_committee">{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam was on Peace Committee |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news/ghulam-azam-was-on-peace-committee |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=12 March 2013 |access-date=13 March 2022}}</ref> It was also alleged that Azam was one of the founding members of this organization.<ref name="dailypakistan_april_11_1971" /> The Peace Committee members were drawn from Azam's Jamaat-e-Islami, the Muslim League and [[Biharis]].<ref name="kann">{{cite news |title=East Pakistan Is Seen Gaining Independence, But It Will Take Years |first=Peter R. |last=Kann |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=27 July 1971}}</ref> The Peace Committee served as a front for the army, informing on the civil administration as well as the general public. They were also in charge of confiscating and redistribution of shops and lands from Hindu and pro-independence Bengali activists, mainly relatives and friends of Mukti Bahini fighters. The Shanti Committee has also been alleged to have recruited [[Razakars (Pakistan)|Razakars]].<ref name="Wall Street Journal">''The Wall Street Journal'', 27 July 1971; quoted in the book ''Muldhara 71'' by Moidul Hasan</ref> The first recruits included 96 Jamaat party members, who started training in an Ansar camp at Shahjahan Ali Road, Khulna.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Daily Pakistan |date=25 May 1971}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Daily Azad |date=26 May 1971}}</ref> During Azam's leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami, Ashraf Hossain, a leader of Jamaat's student wing Islami Chhatra Sangha, created the [[Al-Badr (East Pakistan)|Al-Badr]] militia in Jamalpur district on 22 April 1971.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Daily Purbodesh |date=23 April 1971}}</ref> On 12 April 1971, Azam and [[Matiur Rahman Nizami]] led demonstrations denouncing the independence movement as an Indian conspiracy.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=bn:পাকিস্তানের প্রতি চীনের দৃঢ় সমর্থন রয়েছে |trans-title=China fully supports Pakistan |newspaper=The Daily Sangram |date=13 April 1971 |language=bn}}</ref> | ||
During the war, Azam travelled to West Pakistan at the time to consult the Pakistani leaders.<ref name=star-history>{{cite news |title=History speaks up – Julfikar Ali Manik and Emran Hossain |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=27 October | During the war, Azam travelled to West Pakistan at the time to consult the Pakistani leaders.<ref name=star-history>{{cite news |title=History speaks up – Julfikar Ali Manik and Emran Hossain |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=27 October 2022}}</ref> He declared that his party (Jamaat) is trying its best to curb the activities of pro-independence "Miscreants".<ref name=sangram-june>{{cite news |script-title=bn:লাহোরে সাংবাদিক সম্মেলনে অধ্যাপক গোলাম আযম |trans-title=Prof. Ghulam Azam in a conference at Lahore |newspaper=Daily Sangram |date=21 June 1971 |language=bn}}</ref> He took part in meetings with General [[Yahya Khan]], the military dictator of Pakistan, and other military leaders, to organize the campaign against Bangladeshi independence.<ref name=star-history/> | ||
On 12 August 1971, Azam declared in a statement published in the ''Daily Sangram'' that "the supporters of the so-called Bangladesh Movement are the enemies of Islam, Pakistan, and Muslims".<ref name=sangram-aug>{{cite news |script-title=bn:মাওলানা মাদানীর শাহাদত মুসলমানদের সচেতন করার জন্য যথেষ্ট – গোলাম আযম |newspaper=Daily Sangram |date=12 August 1971 |language=bn}}</ref> He also called for an all out war against India.<ref name=po-nov26>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam calls for an all out war |newspaper=The Pakistan Observer |date=26 November 1971}}</ref> He called for the annexation of [[Assam State|Assam]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Pakistan 'Guilty of Genocide': Senator Kennedy's Charge |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/pakistan-guilty-of-genocide-54148 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=18 August 1971 |page=5 |access-date=10 January 2016 |via=The Daily Star}}</ref> | On 12 August 1971, Azam declared in a statement published in the ''Daily Sangram'' that "the supporters of the so-called Bangladesh Movement are the enemies of Islam, Pakistan, and Muslims".<ref name=sangram-aug>{{cite news |script-title=bn:মাওলানা মাদানীর শাহাদত মুসলমানদের সচেতন করার জন্য যথেষ্ট – গোলাম আযম |newspaper=Daily Sangram |date=12 August 1971 |language=bn}}</ref> He also called for an all out war against India.<ref name=po-nov26>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam calls for an all out war |newspaper=The Pakistan Observer |date=26 November 1971}}</ref> He called for the annexation of [[Assam State|Assam]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Pakistan 'Guilty of Genocide': Senator Kennedy's Charge |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/pakistan-guilty-of-genocide-54148 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=18 August 1971 |page=5 |access-date=10 January 2016 |via=The Daily Star}}</ref> | ||
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===Allegations=== | ===Allegations=== | ||
[[File:Ghulam_Azam_meets_Tikka_Khan.jpg|thumb|Ghulam Azam meets Governor Lt. Gen. [[Tikka Khan]], one of the top architects of [[Operation Searchlight]] on Apr. | [[File:Ghulam_Azam_meets_Tikka_Khan.jpg|thumb|Ghulam Azam meets Governor Lt. Gen. [[Tikka Khan]], one of the top architects of [[Operation Searchlight]] on 4 Apr. 1971 in Dhaka]] | ||
On 20 June 1971, Azam declared in [[Lahore]] that the Hindu minority in East Pakistan, under the leadership of [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]], are conspiring to secede from Pakistan.<ref name="sangram-june" /> On 12 August 1971, Azam declared in a statement published in the ''Daily Sangram'' that "the supporters of the Bangladesh Movement are the enemies of Islam, Pakistan, and Muslims".<ref name="sangram-aug" /> On his side, Azam denied all such accusations and challenged by giving reasons to justify them.<ref>{{YouTube|ZESCCO452Oc|Azam ATN Bangla Interview, 14th Dec 2011, with Eng Subs Part 2}}, See video at 2:15 and 3:42.</ref> However, he later admitted that he was on the list of collaborators of the Pakistani army, but denied he was a war criminal.<ref name="daily_star_peace_committee"/> | On 20 June 1971, Azam declared in [[Lahore]] that the Hindu minority in East Pakistan, under the leadership of [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]], are conspiring to secede from Pakistan.<ref name="sangram-june" /> On 12 August 1971, Azam declared in a statement published in the ''Daily Sangram'' that "the supporters of the Bangladesh Movement are the enemies of Islam, Pakistan, and Muslims".<ref name="sangram-aug" /> On his side, Azam denied all such accusations and challenged by giving reasons to justify them.<ref>{{YouTube|ZESCCO452Oc|Azam ATN Bangla Interview, 14th Dec 2011, with Eng Subs Part 2}}, See video at 2:15 and 3:42.</ref> However, he later admitted that he was on the list of collaborators of the Pakistani army, but denied he was a war criminal.<ref name="daily_star_peace_committee"/> | ||
The military junta of General [[Yahya Khan]] decided to call an election in an effort to legitimize themselves. On 12 October 1971, Yahya Khan declared that an election will be held from 25 November to 9 December. Azam decided to take part in this election. On 15 October, the Pakistani government suddenly declared that 15 candidates were elected without any competition. According to the declaration of 2 November, as many as 53 candidates were elected without any competition.<ref name="muldhara">''Muldhara '71'' (মূলধারা '৭১ Mainstream '71) by Moidul Hasan, page. 128, footnote. 177. published by University Press Limited</ref>{{better source needed|date=September | The military junta of General [[Yahya Khan]] decided to call an election in an effort to legitimize themselves. On 12 October 1971, Yahya Khan declared that an election will be held from 25 November to 9 December. Azam decided to take part in this election. On 15 October, the Pakistani government suddenly declared that 15 candidates were elected without any competition. According to the declaration of 2 November, as many as 53 candidates were elected without any competition.<ref name="muldhara">''Muldhara '71'' (মূলধারা '৭১ Mainstream '71) by Moidul Hasan, page. 128, footnote. 177. published by University Press Limited</ref>{{better source needed|date=September 2022}} In this election Jamaat won 14 of the uncontested seats.<ref name="herald">''International Herald Tribune''; 4 November 1971</ref> | ||
Former advisor to the [[Caretaker government of Bangladesh]], human rights activist and witness for the prosecution [[Sultana Kamal]] said- "In brutality, Ghulam Azam is synonymous with German ruler Hitler who had influential role in implementation and execution of genocide and ethnic cleansing".<ref>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam synonymous with Hitler: Sultana Kamal |url=http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-88120 |newspaper=UNB Connect |date=13 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019034808/http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-88120 |archive-date=19 October 2012 |access-date=14 March | Former advisor to the [[Caretaker government of Bangladesh]], human rights activist and witness for the prosecution [[Sultana Kamal]] said- "In brutality, Ghulam Azam is synonymous with German ruler Hitler who had influential role in implementation and execution of genocide and ethnic cleansing".<ref>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam synonymous with Hitler: Sultana Kamal |url=http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-88120 |newspaper=UNB Connect |date=13 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019034808/http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-88120 |archive-date=19 October 2012 |access-date=14 March 2022}}</ref> In response to this statement, the defense counsel pointed out that the comparison was a fallacy and "fake with malicious intention" as Hitler held state power, which Azam did not and that in 1971 General Tikka Khan and Yahya Khan held state power.<ref>{{cite web |title=13 Sep 2012: Azam 3rd witness cross exam day 3 |date=20 November 2012 |url=http://bangladeshwarcrimes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/13-sep-2012-azam-3rd-witness-cross-exam.html |publisher=David Bergman |access-date=9 May 2022}}</ref> Prosecutor of [[International Crimes Tribunal (Bangladesh)|ICT]] Zead-Al-Malum said- "He was the one making all the decisions, why would he need to be on any committee? Being Hitler was enough for Hitler in World War II".<ref> | ||
* "Jamaat-e-Islami guru Ghulam Azam's role during the Liberation War 'was quite like Adolf Hitler in Second World War Germany'."{{cite news |title=Azam was like Hitler in Germany |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/03/03/azam-was-like-hitler-in-germany |newspaper=[[Bdnews24.com]] |date=3 March | * "Jamaat-e-Islami guru Ghulam Azam's role during the Liberation War 'was quite like Adolf Hitler in Second World War Germany'."{{cite news |title=Azam was like Hitler in Germany |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/03/03/azam-was-like-hitler-in-germany |newspaper=[[Bdnews24.com]] |date=3 March 2022}} | ||
* "Next on the list is Ghulam Azam, the head of Jamaat in 1971, accused of overseeing the setting up of pro-Pakistani death squads manned by the party's student wing. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty for Mr Azam, whom it likened, in its closing arguments this week, to Adolf Hitler."{{cite magazine |title=Unrest in Bangladesh: A nation divided |url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21573150-flawed-tribunal-opens-old-wounds-and-threatens-bangladeshs-future-nation-divided |magazine=[[The Economist]] |date=9 March 2013 |access-date=14 March | * "Next on the list is Ghulam Azam, the head of Jamaat in 1971, accused of overseeing the setting up of pro-Pakistani death squads manned by the party's student wing. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty for Mr Azam, whom it likened, in its closing arguments this week, to Adolf Hitler."{{cite magazine |title=Unrest in Bangladesh: A nation divided |url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21573150-flawed-tribunal-opens-old-wounds-and-threatens-bangladeshs-future-nation-divided |magazine=[[The Economist]] |date=9 March 2013 |access-date=14 March 2022}} | ||
* "War crimes prosecutors on Sunday said that in 1971 Ghulam Azam did in Bangladesh what Adolf Hitler did in Germany during the Second World War. 'Ghulam Azam was the Hitler in Bangladesh under Pakistan army occupation in 1971', said prosecutor Zead-Al-Malum."{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam was Hitler of 1971: prosecution |url=http://newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2013-03-04&nid=41837 |newspaper=[[New Age (Bangladesh)|New Age]] |location=Dhaka |date=4 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219135414/http://newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2013-03-04&nid=41837 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |access-date=14 March | * "War crimes prosecutors on Sunday said that in 1971 Ghulam Azam did in Bangladesh what Adolf Hitler did in Germany during the Second World War. 'Ghulam Azam was the Hitler in Bangladesh under Pakistan army occupation in 1971', said prosecutor Zead-Al-Malum."{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam was Hitler of 1971: prosecution |url=http://newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2013-03-04&nid=41837 |newspaper=[[New Age (Bangladesh)|New Age]] |location=Dhaka |date=4 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219135414/http://newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2013-03-04&nid=41837 |archive-date=19 December 2013 |access-date=14 March 2022}}</ref> | ||
==Leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh== | ==Leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh== | ||
The government of newly independent Bangladesh, banned [[Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami]] and cancelled Azam's citizenship for playing alleged role during the Bangladesh Liberation War.<ref name=mcgill_thesis /> Azam lived in exile in London until he was allowed to return home in 1978.<ref name="Hossain" /> | The government of newly independent Bangladesh, banned [[Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami]] and cancelled Azam's citizenship for playing alleged role during the Bangladesh Liberation War.<ref name=mcgill_thesis /> Azam lived in exile in London until he was allowed to return home in 1978.<ref name="Hossain" /> | ||
Following the [[independence of Bangladesh]], he migrated to [[Pakistan]] (previously West Pakistan) as he opposed the independence and continued to be a [[Pakistani citizen]] even after 1971 (until 1994) | |||
Jamaat's rehabilitation began when [[Ziaur Rahman]] became president after [[Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman|a coup in 1975]] and lifted the previous ban on religious parties. In 1977, Zia removed secularism in the constitution, replacing it with [[Islamic]] ideals, further clearing the way for Jamaat-e-Islami to return to political participation.<ref name="Hossain" /> In 1978, Azam returned to Bangladesh on a Pakistani passport with a temporary visa, and stayed as a Pakistani national until 1994 even after his visa expired; he refused to leave the country and continued to live in Bangladesh.<ref name="alo people's court">{{cite news |script-title=bn:গোলাম আযমের বিরূদ্ধে ডঃ আনিসুজ্জামান উত্থাপিত অভিযোগপত্র |trans-title=Allegations against Ghulam Azam submitted by Prof. Anisuzzaman |newspaper=[[Daily Prothom Alo]] |date=14 March 2008 |language=bn}}</ref><ref name="taj">{{cite book |last=Hashmi |first=Taj I. |year=2000 |title=Women and Islam in Bangladesh: Beyond Subjection and Tyranny |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |page=189 |isbn=978-0-312-22219-2 |quote=He finally won back his citizenship on 22 June 1994, as decided by the Supreme Court ... It may be mentioned here that he had been living in Bangladesh from 1978 to 1994 as a Pakistani national without any valid visa to stay in Bangladesh.}}</ref> His stay was however unwelcome in Bangladesh, and he was beaten by an angry mob at the footsteps of the [[Baitul Mukarram]] mosque while attending a funeral in 1981.<ref>{{cite news |title=War criminal Ghulam Azam buried |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2014/10/25/war-criminal-ghulam-azam-buried |newspaper=bdnews24.com |date=25 October 2014 |access-date=8 August | Jamaat's rehabilitation began when [[Ziaur Rahman]] became president after [[Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman|a coup in 1975]] and lifted the previous ban on religious parties. In 1977, Zia removed secularism in the constitution, replacing it with [[Islamic]] ideals, further clearing the way for Jamaat-e-Islami to return to political participation.<ref name="Hossain" /> In 1978, Azam returned to Bangladesh on a Pakistani passport with a temporary visa, and stayed as a Pakistani national until 1994 even after his visa expired; he refused to leave the country and continued to live in Bangladesh.<ref name="alo people's court">{{cite news |script-title=bn:গোলাম আযমের বিরূদ্ধে ডঃ আনিসুজ্জামান উত্থাপিত অভিযোগপত্র |trans-title=Allegations against Ghulam Azam submitted by Prof. Anisuzzaman |newspaper=[[Daily Prothom Alo]] |date=14 March 2008 |language=bn}}</ref><ref name="taj">{{cite book |last=Hashmi |first=Taj I. |year=2000 |title=Women and Islam in Bangladesh: Beyond Subjection and Tyranny |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |page=189 |isbn=978-0-312-22219-2 |quote=He finally won back his citizenship on 22 June 1994, as decided by the Supreme Court ... It may be mentioned here that he had been living in Bangladesh from 1978 to 1994 as a Pakistani national without any valid visa to stay in Bangladesh.}}</ref> His stay was however unwelcome in Bangladesh, and he was beaten by an angry mob at the footsteps of the [[Baitul Mukarram]] mosque while attending a funeral in 1981.<ref>{{cite news |title=War criminal Ghulam Azam buried |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2014/10/25/war-criminal-ghulam-azam-buried |newspaper=bdnews24.com |date=25 October 2014 |access-date=8 August 2022}}</ref> | ||
In the 1980s, Azam was particularly critical of the military rule of [[Hussain Muhammad Ershad|General Ershad]] after he seized power in a bloodless coup in 1982 and Jamaat-e-Islami took part in demonstrations and strikes as well as other opposition parties such as the Awami League and the [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] (BNP). He proposed a caretaker government system to facilitate free and fair elections, which was adopted in 1990. In the [[1991 Bangladeshi general election]], Jamaat-e-Islami won 18 seats and its support allowed the BNP to form a government.<ref name="Hossain" /> | In the 1980s, Azam was particularly critical of the military rule of [[Hussain Muhammad Ershad|General Ershad]] after he seized power in a bloodless coup in 1982 and Jamaat-e-Islami took part in demonstrations and strikes as well as other opposition parties such as the Awami League and the [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] (BNP). He proposed a caretaker government system to facilitate free and fair elections, which was adopted in 1990. In the [[1991 Bangladeshi general election]], Jamaat-e-Islami won 18 seats and its support allowed the BNP to form a government.<ref name="Hossain" /> | ||
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===Arrest and incarceration=== | ===Arrest and incarceration=== | ||
On 11 January 2012, Azam was arrested on charges of committing [[crimes against humanity]] and peace, genocide and war crimes in 1971 by the [[International Crimes Tribunal (Bangladesh)|International Crimes Tribunal]]. His petition for bail was rejected by the ICT, and he was sent to [[Dhaka Central Jail]]. However, three hours later he was taken to the [[Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University]] (BSMMU) hospital for a medical check-up because of his aging. | On 11 January 2012, Azam was arrested on charges of committing [[crimes against humanity]] and peace, genocide and war crimes in 1971 by the [[International Crimes Tribunal (Bangladesh)|International Crimes Tribunal]]. His petition for bail was rejected by the ICT, and he was sent to [[Dhaka Central Jail]]. However, three hours later he was taken to the [[Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University]] (BSMMU) hospital for a medical check-up because of his aging. | ||
According to ''The Daily Star'', Azam was allowed to remain in a hospital prison cell despite being declared fit for trial by a medical team on 15 January.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hospital stay not needed |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-218438 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=15 January | According to ''The Daily Star'', Azam was allowed to remain in a hospital prison cell despite being declared fit for trial by a medical team on 15 January.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hospital stay not needed |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-218438 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=15 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam lands in jail |url=http://bdnews24.com/politics/2012/01/11/ghulam-azam-lands-in-jail |newspaper=[[bdnews24.com]] |date=11 January 2022}}</ref> The same paper later acknowledged that he had been placed there because to his "ailing condition".<ref name="ds19Feb2012">{{cite news |title=Counsels visit Ghulam Azam |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-222981 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=19 February 2022}}</ref> | ||
Azam's health was deteriorating rapidly since being imprisoned.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam's counsels prefer ICT-2 |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2012/05/30/ghulam-azam-s-counsels-prefer-ict-2 |newspaper=[[Bdnews24.com]] |date=30 May | Azam's health was deteriorating rapidly since being imprisoned.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam's counsels prefer ICT-2 |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2012/05/30/ghulam-azam-s-counsels-prefer-ict-2 |newspaper=[[Bdnews24.com]] |date=30 May 2022}}</ref> His wife, Syeda Afifa Azam reported in several newspapers as being shocked about Azam's treatment and stated that he was very weak and had lost 3 kilograms in a month due to malnutrition.<ref name="sangram1971"/> She described his treatment as "a gross violation of human rights" even though he was kept in a hospital prison cell.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=bn:স্বামীর জীবন নিয়ে আমি শঙ্কিত : সৈয়দা আফিফা আযম |trans-title=I am in fear of my husband's life: Syeda Afifa Azam |url=http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/details/25668 |newspaper=[[Daily Naya Diganta]] |language=bn |date=27 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130053203/http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/details/25668 |archive-date=30 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |script-title=bn:অধ্যাপক গোলাম আযমের |trans-title=Professor Ghulam Azam has lost 3 kg in weight |url=http://www.dailysangram.com/news_details.php?news_id=76627 |newspaper=[[The Daily Sangram]] |language=bn |date=5 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216000012/http://www.dailysangram.com/news_details.php?news_id=76627 |archive-date=16 December 2022}}</ref> | ||
Azam's wife complained that he had been denied proper family visits and access to books, saying that this amounted to "mental torture".<ref>{{cite news |script-title=bn:গোলাম আযমকে 'প্রিজন সেল'এ মানসিকভাবে নির্যাতন করা হচ্ছে -মিসেস আফিফা আযম |trans-title=Ghulam Azam is being mentally tortured in his prison cell – Mrs Afifa Azam |url=http://www.dailysangram.com/news_details.php?news_id=77204 |newspaper=[[The Daily Sangram]] |language=bn |date=12 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215235934/http://www.dailysangram.com/news_details.php?news_id=77204 |archive-date=15 December | Azam's wife complained that he had been denied proper family visits and access to books, saying that this amounted to "mental torture".<ref>{{cite news |script-title=bn:গোলাম আযমকে 'প্রিজন সেল'এ মানসিকভাবে নির্যাতন করা হচ্ছে -মিসেস আফিফা আযম |trans-title=Ghulam Azam is being mentally tortured in his prison cell – Mrs Afifa Azam |url=http://www.dailysangram.com/news_details.php?news_id=77204 |newspaper=[[The Daily Sangram]] |language=bn |date=12 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215235934/http://www.dailysangram.com/news_details.php?news_id=77204 |archive-date=15 December 2022}} Azam is held in solitary confinement and is allowed a visit of 30 minutes per week by 3 close relatives only. Applications for visits are required to be made in advance and require approval.</ref> ''The Daily Star'' reported that Azam's wife and his counsels were allowed to meet him on 18 February.<ref name="ds19Feb2012" /> | ||
On 25 February 2012, ''The Daily Star'' further reported that Azam's nephew was denied a visit shortly before he was about to enter hospital prison. This was despite the application for the visit being first approved.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wife, son meet Ghulam Azam |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-219285 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=21 January | On 25 February 2012, ''The Daily Star'' further reported that Azam's nephew was denied a visit shortly before he was about to enter hospital prison. This was despite the application for the visit being first approved.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wife, son meet Ghulam Azam |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-219285 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=21 January 2022}}</ref> | ||
Islamic activists from different countries expressed their concerns for Mr. Azam. The [[International Union of Muslim Scholars]], chaired by [[Yusuf al-Qaradawi]] called the arrest "disgraceful", and called on the Bangladesh government to release him immediately, stating that "the charge of Professor Ghulam Azam and his fellow scholars and Islamic activists of committing war crimes more than forty years ago is irrational and cannot be accepted".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iumsonline.net/ar/default.asp?ContentID=3677&menuID=6 |script-title=ar:الإتحاد يندد بإعتقال الحكومة البنغالية المفكرين الإسلاميين ويطالب بإطلاق سراحهم |trans-title=The Union condemns the arrest of Professor Ghulam Azam and other thinkers by the Bangladeshi government |language=ar |date=18 January 2012 |website=International Union of Muslim Scholars |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304020909/http://www.iumsonline.net/ar/Default.asp?ContentID=3677&menuID=6 |archive-date=4 March | Islamic activists from different countries expressed their concerns for Mr. Azam. The [[International Union of Muslim Scholars]], chaired by [[Yusuf al-Qaradawi]] called the arrest "disgraceful", and called on the Bangladesh government to release him immediately, stating that "the charge of Professor Ghulam Azam and his fellow scholars and Islamic activists of committing war crimes more than forty years ago is irrational and cannot be accepted".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iumsonline.net/ar/default.asp?ContentID=3677&menuID=6 |script-title=ar:الإتحاد يندد بإعتقال الحكومة البنغالية المفكرين الإسلاميين ويطالب بإطلاق سراحهم |trans-title=The Union condemns the arrest of Professor Ghulam Azam and other thinkers by the Bangladeshi government |language=ar |date=18 January 2012 |website=International Union of Muslim Scholars |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304020909/http://www.iumsonline.net/ar/Default.asp?ContentID=3677&menuID=6 |archive-date=4 March 2022}}</ref> | ||
The judicial process under which Azam was on trial was criticized by international organizations such as [[Human Rights Watch]] and [[Amnesty International]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.internationallawbureau.com/index.php/ict-convicts-a-q-molla-of-5-charges-and-sentences-him-to-life-imprisonment/ |title=ICT convicts A. Q. Molla of 5 charges and sentences him to life imprisonment |last=Macpherson |first=Caroline |date=5 February 2013 |website=The International Criminal Law Bureau}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Detention of accused unlawful |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-222591 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=16 February | The judicial process under which Azam was on trial was criticized by international organizations such as [[Human Rights Watch]] and [[Amnesty International]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.internationallawbureau.com/index.php/ict-convicts-a-q-molla-of-5-charges-and-sentences-him-to-life-imprisonment/ |title=ICT convicts A. Q. Molla of 5 charges and sentences him to life imprisonment |last=Macpherson |first=Caroline |date=5 February 2013 |website=The International Criminal Law Bureau}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Detention of accused unlawful |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-222591 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=16 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2013/02/01/bangladesh-government-backtracks-rights |title=Bangladesh: Government Backtracks on Rights |last=Adams |first=Brad |date=1 February 2013 |publisher=Human Rights Watch}}</ref> | ||
So far, the ICT has sentenced two of the accused to death and another one to life imprisonment. | So far, the ICT has sentenced two of the accused to death and another one to life imprisonment. | ||
===Verdict=== | ===Verdict=== | ||
Azam was convicted of war crimes during the [[liberation war of Bangladesh|Bangladesh Liberation War]] by the International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh.<ref name=DS-verdict-1/> The charges against Azam were torturing and the killings of a police officer "Shiru Mia" and three other civilians. He was found guilty on all five charges and was sentenced to 90 years in prison. The judges unanimously agreed that Azam deserved capital punishment but was given a lenient punishment because of his aging and poor health condition.<ref name=DS-verdict-1/><ref name=PBD /> | Azam was convicted of war crimes during the [[liberation war of Bangladesh|Bangladesh Liberation War]] by the controversial International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh.<ref name=DS-verdict-1/> The charges against Azam were torturing and the killings of a police officer "Shiru Mia" and three other civilians. He was found guilty on all five charges and was sentenced to 90 years in prison. The judges unanimously agreed that Azam deserved capital punishment but was given a lenient punishment because of his aging and poor health condition.<ref name=DS-verdict-1/><ref name=PBD /> | ||
In a press release, Jamaat's Acting Secretary General "Rafiqul Islam" rejected the International Crimes Tribunal's verdict against Azam by stating his conviction "nothing but a reflection of what AL-led 14-party alliance leaders had said against him Ghulam Azam in different meetings".<ref>{{cite news |title=Jamaat rejects judgment |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news/jamaat-rejects-judgment |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=16 July | In a press release, Jamaat's Acting Secretary General "Rafiqul Islam" rejected the International Crimes Tribunal's verdict against Azam by stating his conviction "nothing but a reflection of what AL-led 14-party alliance leaders had said against him Ghulam Azam in different meetings".<ref>{{cite news |title=Jamaat rejects judgment |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news/jamaat-rejects-judgment |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=16 July 2022}}</ref> A popular newspaper ''Daily Amardesh'', the publication of which is banned by the ruling Bangladesh Awami League since 2013, reported that the evidence presented before the court against Ghulam Azam consisted of newspaper clippings published during 1971."<ref>{{cite news |script-title=bn:গোলাম আযমের প্রত্যক্ষ সম্পৃক্ততা প্রমাণ হয়নি: ফজলে কবির |trans-title=Ghulam Azam was evidence of the involvement: Fazle Kabir |url=http://www.amardeshonline.com/pages/latestnews/2013/07/15/4965 |newspaper=Daily Amardesh |language=bn |date=15 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718095056/http://www.amardeshonline.com/pages/latestnews/2013/07/15/4965 |archive-date=18 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Amar Desh stops publication for now |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news/amar-desh-stops-publication-for-now |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=16 April 2022}}</ref> | ||
==Death== | ==Death== | ||
Ghulam Azam died after | Ghulam Azam died after suffering a stroke on 23 October 2014 at 10:10 PM at [[Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University|BSMMU]] while serving jail sentences for crimes against humanity during Bangladesh Liberation War. His death was reported by Abdul Majid Bhuiyan, director of BSMMU. Ghulam Azam was put on life support system at 8 PM.<ref>{{cite news |title=War criminal Golam Azam dies |url=http://en.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/news/55463/Golam-Azam-on-life-support |newspaper=[[Daily Prothom Alo]] |date=23 October 2014 |access-date=23 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023195839/http://en.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/news/55463/Golam-Azam-on-life-support |archive-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Julfikar Ali Manik |first=Moniruzzaman Uzzal |date=23 October 2014 |title=War criminal Ghulam Azam dies |url=http://archive.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/oct/23/ghulam-azam-life-support |newspaper=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=7 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916191603/http://archive.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/oct/23/ghulam-azam-life-support |archive-date=16 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was also suffering from kidney ailments.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam on life support |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2014/10/23/ghulam-azam-on-life-support |newspaper=[[Bdnews24.com]] |date=23 October 2022}}</ref> | ||
Azam was buried at his family graveyard at [[Moghbazar]], Dhaka on 25 October. | Azam was buried at his family graveyard at [[Moghbazar]], Dhaka on 25 October. | ||
His [[Salat al-Janazah|namaz-e-janaza]] (Islamic funeral prayer) was held at Bangladesh's national mosque [[Baitul Mokarram]]. Different quarters of the country protested against taking Azam's body to the national mosque because of his war crimes conviction and his opposition role to the [[Independence of Bangladesh|independence of the country]].<ref name=buried>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam buried |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/ghulam-azam-buried-47336 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=25 October 2014 |access-date=26 October | His [[Salat al-Janazah|namaz-e-janaza]] (Islamic funeral prayer) was held at Bangladesh's national mosque [[Baitul Mokarram]], which is still considered one of the largest gatherings at any funeral prayers. Different quarters of the country protested against taking Azam's body to the national mosque because of his war crimes conviction and his opposition role to the [[Independence of Bangladesh|independence of the country]].<ref name=buried>{{cite news |title=Ghulam Azam buried |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/ghulam-azam-buried-47336 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=25 October 2014 |access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Azam, Ghulam}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Azam, Ghulam}} | ||
[[Category:1922 births]] | [[Category:1922 births]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:2014 deaths]] | ||
[[Category:Bangladesh Liberation War]] | [[Category:Bangladesh Liberation War]] | ||
[[Category:Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan politicians]] | [[Category:Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan politicians]] | ||
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[[Category:Bangladeshi people convicted of war crimes]] | [[Category:Bangladeshi people convicted of war crimes]] | ||
[[Category:Pakistani emigrants to Bangladesh]] | [[Category:Pakistani emigrants to Bangladesh]] | ||
[[Category:People from | [[Category:People from Brahmanbaria district]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:1971 Bangladesh genocide perpetrators]] | ||
[[Category:Prisoners who died in Bangladeshi detention]] | |||