Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced seven individuals, including Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, to death on Tuesday for their involvement in suppressing the July 2024 mass uprising through incitement, provocation, attacks, and killings. The tribunal found the accused guilty of crimes against humanity, including directing and inciting party activists to attack protesters and organising resistance against the movement.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the verdict was delivered by the three-member ICT-2, chaired by Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury. The other condemned convicts include 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, its General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan. All seven convicts are currently absconding.
The tribunal also ordered the confiscation of 50 percent of the property of the five Awami League and Jubo League leaders, with proceeds directed to the families of those killed and injured during the July uprising. The prosecution brought seven charges against the convicts, with the investigation beginning on June 18, 2025, and the probe report submitted on December 7 of the same year. Formal charges were filed, and the tribunal acknowledged them on December 18, with charges framed on January 22, 2026.
The case's opening statement was presented on February 17, followed by the recording of prosecution evidence. A total of 29 prosecution witnesses, including the investigating officer, were listed. Closing arguments took place from August 4 to August 17, with nine working days allocated for the arguments. The tribunal reviewed 123 documentary exhibits and 27 material exhibits. Witnesses were examined between July 27 and August 2, 2026, with the judgement pending after August 17.
Obaidul Quader faced multiple charges, including ordering action against protesters during a phone call with BCL President Saddam Hossain on July 11, 2024, and inciting BCL leaders and activists through statements on July 15. He was also accused of slowing internet speed on July 16 and instructing control over Chattogram. Further charges included directing party leaders to suppress the movement on July 17 and 18, making a 'shoot-at-sight' remark on July 19, and directing resistance on August 3.
Bahauddin Nasim was accused of supporting Quader's statements and suppressing the movement in Madaripur, including making an inflammatory statement at Farmgate on August 4. Arafat faced accusations of making inflammatory statements, ordering attacks, and overseeing violence, resulting in the deaths of six protesters in Mohakhali on July 19. He was also accused of temporarily shutting down television broadcasts.
Parash was accused of directing Jubo League activists to suppress the movement, with attacks resulting in deaths in Chattogram and Mohakhali on July 18 and 19, and further killings in Lakshmipur and Rajshahi on August 4 and 5. Nikhil was accused of leading an armed procession and attacks in Mirpur on July 19 and supervising killings on August 4 and 5.
Saddam faced charges of threatening and inciting protesters and directing attacks at Dhaka University and other educational institutions. His statements on July 11 and roles in programmes on July 15 and 16 were cited. Wali Asif Inan was accused of planning and issuing directives to suppress the movement, leading attacks in the Dhaka University area, and supporting Saddam's threats.
The formal charges stated that these activities resulted in over 1,400 protesters being killed and more than 25,000 seriously injured during the July mass uprising, with lethal weapons allegedly used.