Quader, Arafat, five others sentenced to death for July Uprising atrocities

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 today sentenced Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six others to death in a crimes against humanity case over atrocities committed during the July Uprising in 2024.

The other six convicts are former state minister for information Mohammad Ali Arafat, AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, its General Secretary Moinul Hossain Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hussain and its General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan.

A three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, delivered the verdict around noon. Justice Md Manjurul Basit and Justice Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir are the other members.

The tribunal also ordered the confiscation of half of the assets of Quader, Nasim, Arafat, Parash and Nikhil.

It directed that the confiscated assets be sold and the proceeds provided as compensation to the families of those killed and people injured during the July Uprising. The compensation will be distributed through the July Foundation or another statutory institution, the tribunal said.

Prosecution's allegations

According to the prosecution, Quader, as Awami League general secretary and a cabinet minister, exercised command and control over law enforcement agencies as well as armed cadres of the Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League, which is now banned, to violently suppress the quota reform movement that began on July 1, 2024.

The prosecution alleged that more than 1,400 protesters were killed and over 25,000 seriously injured in widespread, systematic and targeted attacks on civilians carried out with the accused's knowledge and involvement.

It alleged that Nasim helped organise and facilitate the party's response, while Arafat played a role in controlling the media and suppressing reports of killings and violence. The prosecution accused Parash and Nikhil of mobilising Jubo League activists and alleged that Nikhil himself opened fire on protesters. Saddam and Enan were accused of assembling armed cadres and coordinating attacks.

Trial proceedings

The investigation began on June 18, 2025, and the investigation agency submitted its report to the prosecution on December 7. The tribunal took cognisance of seven charges on December 18 and framed the charges on January 22, 2026.

The trial began on February 17, with 29 prosecution witnesses testifying. The prosecution and defence completed their closing arguments over nine working days, from August 4 to 17.