The International Crimes Tribunal is set to begin hearing final arguments today in the crimes against humanity case filed over alleged violence during the July mass uprising of 2024. The case involves seven senior leaders of the banned Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organizations, including party General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
The proceedings will take place before a judicial panel led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury at International Crimes Tribunal-2. Prosecutors are expected to present their arguments first, followed by submissions from the defense team.
The tribunal had earlier concluded witness testimonies on April 27 after the cross-examination of Investigation Officer Ahmed Naser Uddin Mohammad by state-appointed defense lawyers Lokman Howlader and Ishrat Jahan. The officer’s testimony had begun on April 19, and he appeared as the 26th witness in the case.
Following the completion of witness hearings, the tribunal scheduled May 17 for final arguments.
Other accused individuals in the case include Awami League Joint General Secretary A F M Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Bangladesh Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Jubo League General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Wali Asif Inan.
On January 22 this year, Tribunal-2 formally framed charges against the seven accused, officially opening the trial proceedings. Earlier, on December 18 last year, the tribunal accepted the formal complaint submitted by the prosecution.
According to prosecutors, the accused collectively issued directives, provocative statements and incitement aimed at suppressing the July-August protest movement. They are also accused of organizing party activists for violent resistance, planning attacks, enforcing crackdowns and influencing media coverage during the unrest.
The prosecution claims these actions contributed to killings, attempted murders and widespread violence across the country, which they argue constitute crimes against humanity under the law.
