|
London: A top Muslim
activist in Britain -- a former Bangladeshi citizen -- has been
accused of involvement in the abduction and murder of
intellectuals during Bangladesh's struggle for independence in the
1970s.
Chowdhury Mueen-Uddin, director of Muslim spiritual care provision
in Britain's National Health Service (NHS) and a trustee of the
charity Muslim Aid, has denied all charges, but faces the death
penalty if convicted, the Daily Mail reported.
Mueen-Uddin moved to Britain from Bangladesh in the 1970s and has
since become a British citizen.
In 1989, he took part in protests against Salman Rushdie's
controversial book, "The Satanic Verses".
Before he moved to Britain, Mueen-Uddin was a member of the
Jamaat-e-Islami, a fundamentalist party that supported Pakistan
during Bangladesh's fight for independence.
As Pakistan lost the war, many prominent Bangladeshi citizens and
intellectuals were rounded up and killed by a militia.
Mohammad Abdul Hannan Khan, chief investigator for Bangladesh's
International Crimes Tribunal, said he has evidence of
Mureen-Uddin's involvement in the militia.
"There is prima facie evidence of Chowdhury Mueen-Uddin being
involved in a series of killings of intellectuals. We have made
substantial progress in the case against him. There is no chance
that he will not be indicted and prosecuted. We expect charges in
June," Khan said.
The evidence includes the testimony of the widows of those who
disappeared.
Mueen-Uddin said the charges were politically motivated.
|
Comments
|
Quick links