Published : 03 Sep 2026, 09:40 PM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:47 AM
A verdict in the crimes against humanity case against Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six others over the alleged suppression of the July Uprising protests could be delivered next week, according to International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam.
Speaking to reporters at his office on Thursday afternoon, Aminul said arguments from both sides had concluded.
“The arguments involving Obaidul Quader and the seven defendants have been completed. Both the defence and prosecution have finished their arguments,” he said.
“We expect the case to be listed for verdict on any day next week.”
The tribunal ordered the trial to begin after framing charges against the seven defendants on Jan 22 this year.
It had taken cognisance of the prosecution’s formal charges on Dec 18 last year.
Prosecutors allege that the defendants acted in concert during July and August to issue directives, incite supporters and make provocative statements in an effort to suppress the movement.
They are accused of calling on party leaders and activists to take to the streets and mount resistance, as well as planning violence at a series of meetings.
The prosecution also alleges that the defendants were involved in armed attacks, harsh repression and attempts to control the media in some instances.
It says their actions led to killings, attempted killings and widespread violence across the country, amounting to crimes against humanity.
Defendants at Large
All seven defendants remain at large.
Besides Quader, the other defendants are Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash and General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and banned Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan.
Chief Prosecutor Aminul concluded the prosecution’s arguments on Aug 12, claiming that all charges against the defendants had been proved and seeking the maximum and exemplary punishment.
State-appointed lawyers represented the defendants.
Lawyer M Hassan Imam, appearing for Quader, Nasim and Arafat, argued that a “shoot-at-sight” order had been issued to protect lives and property.
He said his clients had not been in a “commanding position” and had not ordered anyone to be killed.
Lawyer Ishrat Jahan, representing the four Chhatra League and Jubo League leaders, argued that her clients had not been named in connection with efforts to suppress protests at Dhaka University and had failed to control activists under them.
Asked by the tribunal whether any action had been taken against those responsible for disorder, she said the unrest from the beginning of July to Aug 4 had left no opportunity to do so.
She also pointed to the absence of female witnesses and argued that video evidence did not show the defendants carrying sticks or other weapons.
She sought acquittal for all four.
The formal trial began with the prosecution’s opening statement on Feb 17.
MA Razzak, father of Asif Iqbal, who was killed during the uprising, testified as the first witness.
A total of 29 prosecution witnesses, including the investigating officer, testified before the tribunal.
The initial round of testimony ended on Apr 27.
At the prosecution’s request, journalist Ashraf Kaiser gave additional testimony on Jul 26.
The evidence stage concluded on Aug 2 after the investigating officer was recalled for further examination.
Arguments ended on Aug 17, after which the three-member Tribunal-2, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, kept the case awaiting verdict.
