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Bangla Press Desk: The International Crimes Tribunal-2 is set to deliver its verdict today (Tuesday) in the case filed over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising against seven senior leaders of the banned Awami League, Chhatra League and Jubo League, including former Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader.
The prosecution has sought the maximum punishment for all seven accused, who are currently absconding.
The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, has scheduled the verdict in the case concerning the alleged superior responsibility of the seven accused for atrocities committed across the country during the July 2024 uprising.
The other accused, alongside Obaidul Quader, are Awami League joint general secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, its general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League president Saddam Hossain and its general secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan. All seven have been tried in absentia.
The tribunal reserved the case for judgment on August 17 after the prosecution and state defence completed their arguments over nine working days.
The investigation into the case began on June 18, 2025. Following a lengthy investigation, officials submitted their report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on December 7 of the same year. The formal charges were filed with Tribunal-2 on December 18.
The tribunal took cognisance of the charges on the same day and ordered the commencement of the trial on January 22 this year after a series of procedural hearings.
The formal trial began on February 17 with the prosecution’s opening statement and the testimony of the first witness.
A total of 29 witnesses, including the investigation officer, testified during the trial.
The evidence also included a statement given by slain Sharif Osman Hadi before his death.
The witness examination phase concluded on August 2, while the prosecution began presenting its arguments on August 4.
The prosecution and state defence completed their arguments on August 17.
A total of 123 sets of documents were presented as exhibits during the proceedings.
According to the prosecution’s allegations, the accused jointly issued instructions, made provocative statements and instigated violence to suppress the July Uprising.
The prosecution further alleged that the accused called on party activists and leaders to take to the streets and build resistance, while planning violence at several meetings.
They were also alleged to have played roles in armed attacks in some areas, severe repression and efforts to control the media. The prosecution claims that these activities contributed to killings, attempted killings and widespread violence across the country, amounting to crimes against humanity.
The accused are entitled to defend themselves against the allegations, and the tribunal’s verdict will determine whether the prosecution has established the charges against them.
