ICT-2 reserves verdict in Quader, 6 others case

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) is set to deliver its verdict in a case against Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six others over alleged crimes against humanity during the July 2024 uprising.

The three-member ICT-2, headed by Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, reserved the judgement after concluding arguments from both the prosecution and defence, keeping the case on curia advisari vult (CAV), a Latin term indicating that the tribunal has reserved its judgement.

The prosecution completed its arguments on August 12, seeking the maximum punishment for all seven accused.

Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam told the tribunal that all four charges brought against the accused had been proved and that they were responsible for killing and injuring numerous people during the July mass uprising.

The prosecution began presenting its arguments on August 4. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim initially outlined the overall background of the case, followed by five consecutive working days of arguments and presentation of evidence against the accused.

The other accused 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; General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil; President of banned Bangladesh Chhatra League Saddam Hossain; and General Secretary Wali Asif Inan.

The tribunal completed recording testimony in the case on August 2, with 29 prosecution witnesses, including the investigation officer, giving evidence.

ICT-2 ordered the trial to begin on January 22 this year after framing charges against the seven accused.

The tribunal had earlier taken cognisance of the formal charges submitted by the prosecution on December 18 last year.

With arguments from both sides now complete, the case awaits the tribunal’s verdict.