All seven accused, including former Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, are fugitives and were sentenced over alleged crimes committed during Bangladesh’s 2024 July-August mass uprising
The International Crimes Tribunal-2 in Bangladesh on Tuesday sentenced seven people, including former Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, to death for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July-August mass uprising in 2024, according to a report by Dhaka Tribune.
A three-member tribunal headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury delivered the verdict. Justice Md Manjurul Basid and Justice Noor Mohammad Shahriar Kabir were the other members of the bench. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed the verdict.
The six others sentenced to death 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; Jubo League General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil; Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hussain; and Chhatra League General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan. All seven accused are fugitives. All seven accused are fugitives, Dhaka Tribune reported.
Allegations of attacks during 2024 uprising
According to the prosecution, law enforcement agencies and armed cadres of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations carried out widespread and systematic attacks, killings and torture against unarmed students and civilians during the 2024 uprising.
The prosecution alleged that the seven accused exercised command and control over the activities and were involved in directing, inciting, abetting or assisting the alleged crimes, or had knowledge of them.
Quader, who was then the Awami League general secretary and road transport and bridges minister, was accused of directing and instigating attacks allegedly carried out by law enforcement agencies and armed cadres of the Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League.
More from BusinessSimilar allegations were levelled against Nasim and Arafat, with the prosecution alleging their involvement in directing, inciting or assisting attacks and killings, or having knowledge of the alleged crimes.
The prosecution also alleged that Jubo League leaders Parash and Nikhil exercised command and control over armed cadres involved in attacks, killings and torture during the uprising.
Saddam Hussain, then president of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, was accused of orchestrating widespread and systematic attacks by armed Chhatra League cadres and other affiliated groups. The prosecution alleged that the attacks resulted in the killing and torture of students and civilians.
Similar allegations were made against Inan, who was accused of helping organise and direct attacks by armed cadres.
Charges under the International Crimes Tribunals Act
The prosecution charged the seven under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, including for murder, attempted murder, torture, other inhumane acts, abetment, incitement, conspiracy and participation in the commission of crimes.
The allegations were presented by the prosecution as part of its case before the tribunal and were subject to the court’s determination in its verdict.
