Final arguments begins in crimes against humanity case against Quader, 6 others

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 is set to begin hearing final arguments today in the crimes against humanity case against former Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six other senior leaders of the Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League over their alleged roles during the July mass uprising.

The hearing will take place before a three-member tribunal headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The prosecution will present its closing arguments first, followed by submissions from the defence. The tribunal fixed the date after concluding the testimony phase on Aug 2, during which statements from 28 prosecution witnesses, including the investigating officer, were recorded.

The other accused are Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Wali Asif Inan. All seven accused remain absconding.

The tribunal formally began the trial on Jan 22 after framing charges based on the prosecution’s formal complaint submitted on Dec 18 last year.

According to the prosecution, the accused coordinated directives, incited violence and held meetings to suppress the July-August movement. They allegedly encouraged party activists to confront protesters and were involved in planning armed attacks, repression and media control, actions that prosecutors say resulted in killings, attempted murders and widespread violence amounting to crimes against humanity.