Death sentence for Jamaat leader

Mr Sayedee was found guilty of eight counts out of 20 involving mass killings, rape and atrocities during the nine-month war against Pakistan.

"Justice has been done to those who lost their loved ones at the hands of Sayedee," said prosecutor Syed Haider Ali.

Lawyers for the defendant boycotted the tribunal during the verdict and rejected it as politically motivated. Mr Sayedee's lawyer Abdur Razzak said that they will appeal.

Jamaat-e-Islami held a nationwide general strike today to denounce the trial and to demand that Mr Sayedee be freed.

Mr Sayedee's supporters clashed with police in Sirajganj district while protesting against the verdict, leaving two people dead.

He is the third defendant to be convicted of crimes against humanity since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government initiated the tribunal in 2010.

Two former Jamaat leaders were sentenced earlier this year on similar charges. Abul Kalam Azad was sentenced to death and Abdul Quader Mollah was sentenced to life in prison.

Another seven top leaders of Jamaat are on trial for their alleged role in the atrocities during the war.

Jamaat-e-Islami had campaigned against the 1971 independence war but it denies committing any atrocities.

International human rights organisations have questioned the fairness of the trial, citing the disappearance of a witness.