Dhaka, May 28 -- e-Islami Assistant Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam, who was acquitted by the Appellate Division from a death sentence in a war crimes case, has been released from jail.

According to Dhaka Central Jail's Jailer AKM Masum, the Jamaat leader walked free at 9:05am on Wednesday, after verification of the release order and other relevant documents.

Azharul was warmly received by party leaders and activists at the jail gate, marking the end of nearly 13 years in prison.

This is the first exoneration of a war crimes convict through a review petition since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5 last year.

On Tuesday, a seven-member full bench of the Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice...