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Ghulam Azam seeks bail

Security stepped up as he appears in tribunal today

Staff Correspondent
Former Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Ghulam Azam filed a bail petition with the International Crimes Tribunal yesterday, a day prior to his appearance before the tribunal for his alleged crimes against humanity during the Liberation War.
Defence counsel Tajul Islam told The Daily Star that Ghulam Azam will appear before the court Wednesday in compliance with the January 9 order of the tribunal.
He said his client sought bail on medical and old age grounds. He [Ghulam Azam] is almost 90 and suffering from several old-age complications, he added.
The hearing of the petition may take place today, Tajul said, adding that his client is ready to face the trial on charges of committing crimes against humanity in 1971 and will not attempt to flee the country.
On Monday, the tribunal accepted formal charges against Ghulam Azam and asked his chief counsel barrister Abdur Razzak to produce him before it by 10:30am on January 11.
It also said if the counsel fails to produce Ghulam Azam before the tribunal it will issue an arrest warrant against the accused.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken steps to ensure security in the capital to evade untoward situation over the incident.
A DMP official requesting anonymity told The Daily Star that they will deploy additional forces and intelligence personnel at the key points of Ghulam Azam's way to the tribunal.
Meanwhile, Jamaat has asked its leaders and workers to be prepared for tougher situation in the days to come, said party insiders.
Although Ghulam Azam stepped down from the highest post [ameer] of his party over a decade ago, his followers still consider him as the supreme spiritual leader. So the first-ever appearance of the party's highest leader before the tribunal has caused panic among the rank and files of Jamaat, said insiders.
Wishing not to be quoted, a Jamaat leader said, "We are prepared for everything and will follow the high command's instructions."
Asked to elaborate, he said, “Jamaat is not a secret or banned organisation. You will see everything we do centring the trial of our top most leader."
According to history, Jamaat under Ghulam Azam's leadership opposed the country's independence during the Liberation War and cooperated with the Pakistani occupation army in committing heinous crimes.