National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said the party is satisfied with the death sentence handed down to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the case over last year’s July mass killing, but insisted that the Awami League as a political party must also be brought to justice.

Speaking to reporters at the NCP’s central office on Monday, Nahid said the verdict is against “individual Hasina,” but the Awami League, as a political organisation, was also involved in the mass killing and other acts deemed crimes against humanity.

This verdict proves the party’s role. Our appeal to the tribunal is to begin the trial of the Awami League now. As a party, they are equally responsible. Hasina, as party chief and head of government, ordered and planned the mass killing,” he said.

Calling for the swift execution of the verdict, he added, “She must be brought back within a month and the sentence carried out. Our souls will find peace only when the execution is completed in her lifetime.”

Nahid said the families of those killed in July would get justice only when the verdict is executed.

We vowed to ensure justice on the day Abu Sayed was shot dead in Rangpur. Today the verdict has honoured that commitment,” he added.