Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 today convicted and sentenced seven individuals, including Awami League General Secretary and former minister Obaidul Quader, to death for their involvement in crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, delivered the verdict this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the seven convicted include AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Mohammad Ali Arafat, Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Md Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Md Saddam Hossain, and Sheikh Wali Asif Inan. These individuals were found guilty of various crimes, including murder, attempted murder, and torture, for their roles in orchestrating violence against peaceful student protesters during the July 2024 Mass Uprising.
Obaidul Quader, as General Secretary of the Bangladesh Awami League and former Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, played a significant role in directing and inciting violence. He was found guilty of ordering attacks on students, coordinating funds for armed cadres, and imposing a nationwide curfew with shoot-at-sight instructions, leading to numerous deaths and injuries.
AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former Central Joint General Secretary of the Awami League, was convicted for his operational role in the violent suppression of protests, including implementing the curfew policy and inciting violence through provocative speeches.
Mohammad Ali Arafat, former Executive Committee Member of the Awami League, was found guilty of ordering armed attacks on students and orchestrating media censorship to suppress reports of state violence.
Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, as Chairman of the Bangladesh Awami Jubo League, commanded lethal force against unarmed demonstrators, leading to mass killings in various regions, including the Bahaddarhat massacre in Chittagong.
Md Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, former General Secretary of the Awami Jubo League, was found guilty of leading armed attacks that resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, particularly in the Mirpur area.
Md Saddam Hossain, as Central President of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), was convicted for his role in orchestrating violent assaults on students and mobilizing cadres to suppress the movement nationwide.
Sheikh Wali Asif Inan, former Central General Secretary of the BCL, was found guilty of leading attacks on peaceful protesters and blocking medical aid for injured students, following direct instructions from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The tribunal's verdict highlights the coordinated efforts by these individuals to suppress and violently dismantle the student-led movement, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread injuries across Bangladesh.