The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Wednesday acquitted former Awami League leader Mobarak Hossain in a case related to crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.

The verdict was delivered by a five-member bench headed by Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed, following an appeal hearing against the 2014 International Crimes Tribunal-1 ruling.

Mobarak’s counsel, Barrister Imran Abdullah Siddique, argued for his acquittal, while Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim represented the state.

On November 24, 2014, the tribunal had sentenced Mobarak to death after finding him guilty on two out of five charges, including murder and abduction. He was sentenced to death on one charge and life imprisonment on another, with the tribunal identifying him as a member of the Razakar force in Brahmanbaria during the war.

Mobarak appealed the verdict, and the Appellate Division began hearings on July 8 this year. After concluding arguments on July 22, the court announced the final verdict today (30 July), acquitting him of all charges.

Mobarak Hossain served as the organizing secretary of the Mogra union Awami League unit in Akhaura upazila, Brahmanbaria, until 2012. His acquittal marks a significant legal development in one of the many war crimes cases pursued decades after the Liberation War.

MN/