DHAKA: The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) today sentenced Awami League General Secretary and former minister Obaidul Quader and six others to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising. A three-member tribunal headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury delivered the verdict this afternoon.
The six other convicts are Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Jubo League General Secretary Md Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Bangladesh Chhatra League President Md Saddam Hossain and its General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan.
All seven were tried in absentia and remain at large, according to reports on the verdict. The tribunal also ordered the confiscation of 50 percent of the movable and immovable properties of Quader, Nasim, Arafat, Parash and Nikhil. The proceeds from the sale of the confiscated assets are to be used to provide compensation to those killed and injured during the July-August uprising, through the July Foundation or another statutory institution.
Charges against Quader
According to the prosecution, Quader, as Awami League general secretary and a former cabinet minister, exercised command and control over law enforcement agencies and armed cadres of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations during the suppression of the student-led movement.
The prosecution alleged that he issued instructions to party and student leaders to confront protesters, helped coordinate the mobilisation of armed cadres and was involved in decisions concerning the use of force, curfew measures and restrictions on communications. The prosecution also alleged that the violence during the July-August uprising resulted in more than 1,400 deaths and over 25,000 serious injuries.
Bahauddin Nasim
The tribunal also sentenced AFM Bahauddin Nasim to death. The prosecution accused him of participating in high-level party decision-making concerning the response to the student protests and of helping organise and facilitate measures to suppress the movement.
The prosecution further alleged that Nasim was involved in coordinating the implementation of the government’s crackdown and that statements made by him contributed to the mobilisation of party activists and law enforcement personnel against protesters.
Mohammad Ali Arafat
Former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat was also sentenced to death. The prosecution accused Arafat of involvement in efforts to control media coverage of the violence and suppress reports concerning killings and attacks during the uprising. It also alleged that he participated in decisions concerning the government’s response to the protests and supported the use of force against demonstrators.
Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash
Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash was convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death. According to the prosecution, Parash exercised command responsibility over Jubo League activists mobilised to suppress the student movement. Prosecutors linked the organisation’s cadres to violent incidents in several parts of the country during July and August 2024.
Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil
Jubo League General Secretary Md Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil was also handed the death sentence. The prosecution accused Nikhil of mobilising Jubo League activists and participating directly in operations against protesters. It alleged that he was involved in armed attacks in Dhaka and played a role in coordinating Jubo League activities during the uprising.
Saddam Hossain
Bangladesh Chhatra League President Md Saddam Hossain was convicted and sentenced to death for his alleged role in organising and mobilising armed cadres against student protesters. The prosecution alleged that Saddam issued threats against demonstrators and helped organise BCL activists during attacks on Dhaka University and other locations. Prosecutors also linked the organisation’s activities to violence that resulted in deaths and injuries during the uprising.
Sheikh Wali Asif Inan
BCL General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan was the seventh person sentenced to death. The prosecution accused Inan of receiving operational instructions and funds, mobilising BCL activists and participating in attacks against protesters. It also alleged that he coordinated activities with senior party leaders during the violence.
Trial proceedings
The investigation into the case began in June 2025, and the investigation agency submitted its report to the prosecution in December that year. ICT-2 formally took cognisance of the charges in December 2025 and framed charges in January 2026.
The trial began in February 2026, with 29 prosecution witnesses giving testimony. The prosecution and defence concluded their closing arguments in August, after which the tribunal kept the case awaiting judgment. The defence had rejected the allegations and sought acquittal, according to reports on the proceedings.
