Street parties and police on patrol as opposition leaders hanged for war crimes

Two opposition leaders were hanged in Bangladesh on Sunday for war crimes during the independence conflict with Pakistan, sparking fears of a violent backlash. The executions of Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid and Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury prompted street parties among supporters of the the ruling Awami League, who also doled out sweets to children. But thousands of extra police and border guards were deployed in Dhaka and other major cities and towns on the eve of a general strike on Monday called to protest over their deaths.

We’ve stepped up security across the country to prevent any violence, including on the roads along which the bodies were taken.

Police spokesman Munstashirul Islam

Chowdhury, 66, was convicted of atrocities including genocide during the 1971 war when the then-East Pakistan split from Islamabad. He served six terms as a member of parliament. The 67-year-old Mujahid was sentenced for war crimes including the killing of top intellectuals. They were hanged at Dhaka’s Central Prison shortly before 1am, despite protesting their innocence. The opposition BNP accused prime minister Sheikh Hasina of presiding over a politically motivated killings. Pakistan has voiced its concerns over the executions and, while some human rights observers say the trials were flawed, others point out the executions were needed so Bangladesh can move on from decades of turmoil.

I’ve waited for this day for a long 44 years

Shawan Mahmud, daughter of one victim, renowned musician Altaf Mahmud

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