The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) has sentenced seven people, including former road transport and bridges minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 mass uprising.
A three-member tribunal headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury pronounced the judgment.
The other convicts are AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Mohammad Ali Arafat, Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Md Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Md Saddam Hossain and Sheikh Wali Asif Inan.
According to the tribunal, the seven were convicted of crimes including murder, attempted murder, torture, incitement, conspiracy, abetment and failure to prevent widespread violence against protesters.
The tribunal found Obaidul Quader responsible for ordering, inciting and coordinating violence against student protesters. The charges included alleged instructions to suppress the movement, mobilisation of armed party cadres, internet restrictions, the imposition of a nationwide curfew and alleged coordination of attacks.
AFM Bahauddin Nasim was convicted over his alleged role in high-level decisions to suppress the protests and the implementation of the “shoot-at-sight” curfew. The tribunal also linked him to violence in Dhaka and Madaripur.
Mohammad Ali Arafat was convicted over alleged involvement in planning attacks on protesters, internet shutdowns, media censorship and violence in Dhaka-17. The tribunal also cited his alleged support for the use of maximum force against protesters.
Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash was convicted over command responsibility for Jubo League cadres accused of using lethal force against protesters in several parts of the country.
Md Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil was convicted over alleged involvement in attacks on protesters in Dhaka and other areas, including Mirpur, and for allegedly directing armed cadres during the uprising.
Md Saddam Hossain was convicted over his alleged role in mobilising Bangladesh Chhatra League cadres and attacks on protesters, particularly at Dhaka University and other educational institutions.
Sheikh Wali Asif Inan was convicted over alleged involvement in organising and supervising attacks by armed BCL cadres. The tribunal also cited evidence concerning his alleged communications with senior political leaders during the protests.
The case concerns violence and killings during the July-August 2024 mass uprising. The tribunal’s findings included allegations of coordinated attacks, shootings and other forms of violence against protesters across the country.
