The first war crimes trial stemming from Bangladesh's 1971 war for independence from Pakistan has begun.

The trial of Delwar Hossain Sayedee, a top leader in the Islamic Jamaat-e-Islami party, got underway Sunday in the capital, Dhaka.

Among the charges against Sayedee are crimes against humanity, genocide, rape, and murder. If found guilty, the 71-year-old Sayedee could be hanged.

Human Rights Watch says defense lawyers and witnesses have reported being harassed by state officials and the police. The rights group says the court's legal procedures fall short of international standards.

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal is a domestic court, set-up with no United Nations oversight or involvement.