Dhaka: Expressing deep satisfaction over the verdict against Abul Kalam Azad alias Bachchu Razakar for genocide and crime against humanity during the Liberation War, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for immediate all-out action to implement it.

TIB has also demanded completion of all other similar pending cases in the due process free from any pressure, influence and fear.

"This is a milestone of glory, and a befitting tribute to the millions of freedom fighters, particularly those who sacrificed their lives and experienced inhuman sufferings in the hands of barbaric perpetrators of war crime," said Executive Director of TIB Iftekharuzzaman in a statement on Tuesday.

"January 21 will remain a red letter day in the history of Bangladesh marking the beginning of a glorious phase of truly proud and meaningful Victory, relieving the national agony of unmet justice for too long," he said.

"We are particularly satisfied that a pernicious impunity that the war criminals enjoyed for 41 years by shameless commission and collusion has now been effectively challenged. We want the process to be completed in the due process by bringing to justice all others against whom there are allegations of similar crimes, so that no such violation happens in the territory of Bangladesh anytime in the future," said Iftekharuzzaman.

"The judgment should also be viewed as the beginning of a process that will hopefully ensure that any other forms of impunity, including all forms of abuse of power and violation of constitutional rights, are unacceptable in Bangladesh," he said.

"We also call upon the relevant authorities to conduct a highly professional and credible investigation into the context and process through which Bachchu Razakar escaped in spite of being under surveillance. Those found guilty must face consequences not only for negligence of duty but also possible complicity with perpetrators of war crime and crime against humanity", he added.

Ends/AMA/22/01/13