Quader, 6 others await verdict after final arguments

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Monday concluded the hearing of arguments in the case against seven senior leaders, including former Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, over alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising. After hearing arguments and counterarguments from both sides, the three-member tribunal led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury kept the case CAV (curia advisari vult), meaning the verdict will be delivered on a date to be fixed. All seven accused are currently absconding.

Prosecutor Mizanul Islam argued that state-level policy meetings had involved a deliberate conspiracy and plan to suppress the July movement, with audio and video evidence allegedly demonstrating the plan. The prosecution had earlier sought the death penalty and confiscation of the accused's assets, claiming that all four specific charges had been proved beyond reasonable doubt. Over five working days, prosecutors presented documentary and other evidence, while 29 witnesses, including investigating officers, testified. Defence lawyers M Hasan Imam and Ishrat Jahan sought acquittal, arguing that their clients were not in direct command positions and that the evidence did not specifically implicate them in killings or attacks.

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The prosecution rejected the defence arguments, invoking the joint criminal enterprise doctrine under international criminal law. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim argued that those who participated in a coordinated effort to suppress the movement could not evade responsibility for crimes committed in the course of that operation. The seven accused are Obaidul Quader, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, its General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and its General Secretary Wali Asif Enan. The tribunal formally accepted the charges on December 18 last year and framed charges on January 22 this year, paving the way for the trial.