Bangladesh tribunal sentences opposition party leader to death for crimes in 1971 war

DHAKA, Bangladesh – A special war crimes tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced a senior member of the opposition to death for his involvement in the deaths of hundreds of people during the county’s independence war against Pakistan in 1971.

The verdict against Salauddin Quader Chowdhury came Tuesday in a packed courtroom as he stood in the dock amid tight security in the nation’s capital, Dhaka.

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam says the six-time member of parliament was found guilty of nine of 23 charges, including four counts of genocide.

Chowdhury was found guilty of aiding and ordering the killing of at least 200 people, mostly minority Hindus, during the war.

Chowdhury’s wife said the verdict was “a farce” and that her husband would appeal.