Blast near SC after ICT verdict

A cocktail exploded near the main gate of the Supreme Court on Tuesday shortly after the International Crimes Tribunal-2 sentenced seven Awami League leaders, including General Secretary Obaidul Quader, to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising.

The explosion occurred at around 1:15pm at the entrance used by the Chief Justice to enter the Supreme Court. No casualties were reported.

Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Moniruzzaman confirmed the incident, saying, “A cocktail was exploded in front of the Supreme Court between 1:15pm and 1:20pm.”

He said it was not immediately clear who carried out the explosion. Police are collecting and analysing CCTV footage from the scene and surrounding areas
to identify those involved.

Law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation, while security has been tightened around the Supreme Court following the incident. Police are working to identify and arrest those responsible.

Earlier on Tuesday, ICT-2 sentenced the seven accused to death in a case concerning crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising.

The other death-row convicts 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; General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil; banned Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain; and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan.

The blast occurred shortly after the tribunal delivered the much-discussed verdict, raising fresh security concerns around the Supreme Court premises.

Police are examining CCTV footage and other available evidence as they investigate the incident and seek to establish who was behind the explosion.