DHAKA: Former Jatiya Party lawmaker absconding Engineer Abdul Jabbar was sentenced to jail until death for his involvement in crimes against humanity during liberation war in 1971.

The three-member International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) -1 led by Justice M Enayetur Rahim passed the verdict around 12:00pm on Tuesday as all the charges of killing, mass killing, looting and forced conversion committed during the nine-month war in 1971 were proved against him.

The other members of the tribunal were, Justice Jahangir Hossain and Justice Anwarul Haque.

On December 3 of 2014, the tribunal kept the case waiting for verdict after both the prosecution and the defence concluded their submissions.

Jabbar, who was chairman of Mathbaria Peace Committee in Pirojpur in 1971, was charged with killing, mass killing, looting and forced conversion committed during the nine-month war.

The fugitive suspected had “played a key role” in the formation of the Razakar Bhahini and had “led the force” in committing crimes in Mathbaria area.

On August 14 of 2014, the tribunal framed five charges against Abdul Jabbar who was elected as Jatiya Party lawmaker in 1986 and 1988.

At total of 24 witnesses, including investigation officer of the case, submitted their depositions against Jabbar.

BDST: 1314 HRS, FEB 24, 2015

** Judges reading out Jabbar verdict