Bangladesh Court Sentences 7 Pro-Hasina Leaders To Death Over 2024 Uprising

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Tuesday sentenced seven pro-Hasina leaders, including former Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, to death over alleged crimes against humanity during the country’s July-August 2024 mass uprising.

A three-member tribunal headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury delivered the verdict. Justice Md Manjurul Basid and Justice Noor Mohammad Shahriar Kabir were also on the bench. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed the verdict, according to Dhaka Tribune.

The other six sentenced to death 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, Jubo League General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hussain and Chhatra League General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan.

All seven accused are fugitives and were tried over alleged offences linked to the deadly unrest that swept Bangladesh in 2024.

The prosecution alleged that law enforcement agencies and armed cadres of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations carried out widespread and systematic attacks, killings and torture against unarmed students and civilians during the uprising.

Prosecutors accused the seven of exercising command and control over the activities and of directing, inciting, aiding or assisting the alleged crimes, or having knowledge of them.

Quader, who was then the Awami League general secretary and road transport and bridges minister, was accused of directing and instigating attacks allegedly carried out by security forces and armed cadres of the Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League.

Similar allegations were made against Nasim and Arafat, who prosecutors accused of directing, inciting or assisting attacks and killings, or being aware of the alleged crimes.

Jubo League leaders Parash and Nikhil were accused of exercising command over armed cadres involved in attacks, killings and torture. Saddam Hussain, then president of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, was accused of orchestrating attacks by armed Chhatra League cadres and other affiliated groups.

Inan was similarly accused of helping organise and direct attacks by armed cadres.

The seven were charged under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, including murder, attempted murder, torture, other inhumane acts, abetment, incitement, conspiracy and participation in crimes.

The allegations were presented by prosecutors as part of their case and were subject to the tribunal’s determination in its verdict.