According to a copy of the verdict, Sayedee was convicted for his involvement in mass killings, rape, arson, and other atrocities during the war.  He reportedly led a pro-Pakistani militia in abducting and raping three Hindu sisters over a three day period, forcibly converting at least 100 Hindus to Islam, burning down 25 houses in a Hindu village, and murdering two civilians.

Following the announcement, thousands of peaceful protesters gathered in the capital’s Shahbagh Square to celebrate the Tribunal’s ruling, which was seen by many Bangladeshis as long overdue.  

“This judgment is not only a significant step in achieving justice for the victims of these brutal and inhumane crimes, but also a means to obtaining closure and reconciliation for the people of Bangladesh,” said Samir Kalra, Esq., the Hindu American Foundation (HAF)’s Director/Senior Fellow for Human Rights.  “While the Tribunal is by no means perfect under international standards, it is vital to ensuring that leaders, such as Sayedee, are held accountable for their actions.”

Official government estimates indicate that approximately three million people were killed and 200,000 women raped during Bangladesh’s liberation war.  Islamist militias, including JeI and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, were allegedly responsible for collaborating with the Pakistani army in committing widespread crimes against Hindus and other ethnic Bengali civilians.

The convictions of Sayedee and two other Jamaat leaders have resulted in large-scale violence and rioting by JeI supporters throughout the country, with more than 50 confirmed deaths and hundreds injured.

Several Hindu homes and temples have also been attacked and set on fire in the southern districts of Noakhali and Chittagong, according to multiple media accounts.  In Thakurgaon, a mob of 1,500 Jamaat and Shibir activists were reportedly seen attacking homes and businesses owned by Hindus and members of the ruling Awami League. On Sunday, the Bangladesh High Court ordered extra security for the Hindu community.

“Hindu Americans are appalled by this latest violence targeting the Hindu community in Bangladesh, clearly perpetrated by religious extremists,” said Jay Kansara, HAF’s Associate Director.  “The Bangladeshi government and security forces must act swiftly to protect the already vulnerable Hindu minority and prevent any future acts of violence.”

The Tribunal is scheduled to hold trials for several additional Jamaat leaders over the next two months, raising fears of further attacks by Islamist groups.