Bangladesh Takes First Step on Banning Jamaat

Thousands celebrated in the streets of Dhaka after Parliament passed a law allowing for prosecution of Jamaat-e-Islami, on Sunday.

The leaders of Jamaat, the country's leading Islamic political party, are accused of committing war crimes in the war of independence in 1971.

Members of the group are accused of various murders and acts of terrorism, since then.

Parliament's new law allows for the leaders to be tried for the crimes they are accused of.

It also is the first step necessary in banning the party and making it illegal.

Over the last week, clashes between supporters, opponents of the party, and police have left thirteen dead.