Prominent Islamic scholar in Bangladesh died in prison

Professor Ghulam Azam, 92, the former leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami, the biggest Islamic political party in Bangladesh, died at the Bangabandu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, or BSMMU, in the capital city of Dhaka.

He has been kept under treatment in a prison cell of the BSMMU since January 11, 2012, the day he was arrested.

Azam was sentenced in July last year, by Internation Crimes Tribunal, or ICT, to 90 years in prison for crimes against humanity during the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan.

Critics say Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has used the tribunal to target Jamaat and weaken the opposition. Human rights groups say tribunal's procedures fall short of international standards.

Azam had filed an appeal against his conviction and the Supreme Court was due to consider it on Dec. 2.

Ghulam Azam, a renowned political leader and Islamic scholar in Bangladesh, has been subject to a relentless campaign against his reputation, which he believes is politically motivated.

The current Awami League government in Bangladesh led by Sheikh Hasina has established the International Crimes Tribunal (a domestic court, despite its name) in order to try those accused of mass killings and other atrocities 43 years ago during country's independence war.

The ICT has received criticism from international lawyers and human rights organizations who are gravely concerned that the trial is merely a political tool to remove dissent and legitimate political debate.

The tribunal arrested almost the entire leadership of Jamat-e-Islami and some leaders from Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP. Most of them were sentenced to death and Golam Azam was sentenced to 90 years in prison by the court.

Professor Ghulam Azam has spoken frankly about his role in 1971 and has openly challenged anyone to bring evidence to prove their unfounded allegations against him for his role in 1971.