Tribunal-2 has sentenced Obaidul Quader, general secretary of the now-banned Awami League and former bridges minister, along with six others, to death in a crimes-against-humanity case over the massacre during the July revolution.
The three-member judicial panel of International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, announced the verdict. The panel’s other two members are Judge Md Manzurul Bashid and Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.
Those sentenced to death are Awami League joint general secretary A F M Bahauddin Nasim, former information deputy minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parosh and general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and banned militant organisation Chhatra League president Saddam Hossain and general secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan.
The tribunal has also ordered the forfeiture of 50 percent of all movable and immovable property belonging to Obaidul Quader, A F M Bahauddin Nasim, Mohammad Ali Arafat, Sheikh Fazle Shams Parosh and Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil. Proceeds from selling this property are to be used to provide appropriate compensation, through the July Foundation or another statutory body, to all those martyred or injured during July-August 2024 or their families.
The case’s trial process
The case was first registered as Misc Case No. 5/2025. Investigation began on June 18 last year. The International Crimes Tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its investigation report on December 7. After review, the prosecution filed formal charges on December 18, bringing nine allegations against the accused. The tribunal took cognisance of the charges the same day and issued arrest warrants for the accused. Formal charges were framed and the trial ordered to begin on January 26 this year. Opening statements were presented on February 17 this year, with evidence recording beginning the same day. The prosecution presented 29 witnesses against the accused. Evidence recording concluded on August 2. Closing arguments began on August 4 and concluded on August 17, when the tribunal reserved the case for verdict.