Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is poised to deliver its verdict in a case involving Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six other individuals accused of committing crimes against humanity during the July 2024 uprising. The tribunal's decision could be announced at any time, following the completion of arguments from both the prosecution and defense.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the three-member ICT-2 panel, led by Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, reserved the judgment using the legal term curia advisari vult (CAV), meaning the tribunal has withheld the decision until a later date. The prosecution wrapped up its arguments on August 12, advocating for the maximum penalty for the accused.
Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam asserted before the tribunal that all four charges against the accused have been substantiated, implicating them in the deaths and injuries of numerous individuals during the mass uprising in July. The prosecution commenced its arguments on August 4, with Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim presenting the case's background and evidence over five consecutive working days.
The accused include prominent figures such as Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and leaders of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League, Saddam Hossain and Wali Asif Inan. All seven accused are reportedly absconding.
The tribunal concluded the testimony phase on August 2, having heard from 29 prosecution witnesses, including the investigation officer. The trial against the seven accused officially began on January 22, following the tribunal's acceptance of formal charges on December 18 of the previous year.