Verdict against Obaidul Quader, 6 others today

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 will deliver its verdict today (Tuesday) in a crimes against humanity case filed against Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six other leaders of the party and its affiliated organisations over atrocities committed during the July-August Uprising in 2024.

The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Md Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, fixed the date on Monday. The other members are Justice Md Manjurul Basid and Justice Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.

The other accused are Awami League joint general secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Arafat, Juba League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, its general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Bangladesh Chhatra League president Saddam Hossain and its general secretary Wali Asif Enan.

All seven accused are absconding.

Earlier on August 17, the tribunal kept the case awaiting for verdict after the prosecution and defence concluded their arguments. The prosecution concluded its six-day closing arguments on August 12, followed by five days of arguments from two state-appointed defence lawyers.

The tribunal had ordered the framing of charges against the seven accused on January 22 and directed that their trial begin. On December 18 last year, it took cognisance of the formal charges brought by the prosecution.

According to the prosecution, the accused tried to suppress the July-August uprising by issuing instructions and making inciting statements. They allegedly urged the party activists to take to the streets to resist the protesters and held several meetings where plans for violence were discussed.

The prosecution further alleged that the accused were involved in armed attacks, severe repression and attempts to control the media in different places.