Freedom fighters celebrate after the ICT-2 handed down death sentence to Abul Kalam Azad on Monday on charge of crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971. — Indrajit Ghosh

People across the country poured out into the streets to celebrate as an International Crimes Tribunal pronounced its maiden verdict sentencing a war crimes suspect to death.
The people who held their breath to hear the verdict hailed as a historic event the verdict against former Jamaat leader Abul Kalam Azad, also known as Bachchu Razakar.
They brought out numerous processions expressing
their joy and happiness after getting the verdict after long 41 years of the country’s independence.
In the capital, political leaders and workers, students and cultural activists came out in processions immediately after the delivery of the verdict.
Sweets were distributed in different cities and towns including Faridpur, Kushtia, Chitagong and Khulna.  
As soon as news of the verdict spreads, Sammilita Sangiskritk Jote brought out a procession in front of the Supreme Court.
Workers Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Muktijuddha Sangsad Central Command Council, the platform of the freedom fighters, Awami Jubo League and Awami Swecchasebok League also brought out processions in the capital.
Bangabndhu Sangiskritik Jote and Bangladesh Awami Muktijoddha Prajanma League formed human chain and brought out procession in Dhaka.
Ruling Awami League-backed student organisation Bangladesh Chhatra League took out victory procession at the Dhaka University. Chhatra League Chittagong University unit also brought procession on the campus. Chhatra League Chittagong city unit distributed sweets among the people.
Leaders of Kustia Awami League brought out victory procession.
Eminent citizens also expressed their unalloyed joy terming the verdict ‘epoch making’ and demanded its expeditious execution.
Information minister Hasanul Haq Inu said that the verdict proved that the crimes of such magnitude never become obsolete. He hoped that verdict will be implemented soon.
Sector Commander Forum leader KM Shafiullah, also former army chief, said the nation had been waiting for this verdict for 41 years. He hoped that all war criminals would be tried. ‘The verdict should be implemented soon’ he added.
Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee acting president Shahriar Kabir said that all forces and organisations like Al-Badr, Al-Shams, Jamaat-e-Islami should also face trial besides the person like Bacchu.
Historian Muntassir Mamoon said that the verdict was the outcome of all the agitations organised in the last 40 years for trail of the war criminals.
National Human Rights Commission chairman Mizanur Rahman said, ‘The verdict initiated a new beginning against the prevailing culture of impunity.’
He said, ‘Now, I only wish that he [Bachchu Razakar] will be nabbed anyhow and executed. Trial of all those who committed crimes against humanity must be finished quickly.’
Ain o Salish Kendra executive director Sultana Kamal said that the verdict once again proved that none was above the law. ‘This verdict would help end the trial of others identified war criminals’.
Awami League advisory council member Suranjit Sengupta, also minister without portfolio, said, ‘I hope the people will be assured of the punishment of the war criminals.’ He said no war criminal would be spared.
AL joint general secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, told reporters after a ruling alliance meeting that the Bachchu would be brought back from his hideouts and executed.
Communist Party of Bangladesh president Mujahidul Islam Selim and general secretary Abu Zafar Ahmed, Workers Party of Bangladesh president Rashed Khan Menon and Anisur Rahman Mallick, in separate statements, expressed satisfaction over verdict.