Crimes against humanity: Charge-framing order set for 22 January against Obaidul Quader, 6 others
The tribunal fixed the date after hearing arguments from both prosecution and defence in the case
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has set 22 January to pass an order on charge framing against seven absconding accused, including Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, in a case linked to the July–August 2024 movement.
A three-member bench of ICT-2, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, fixed the date this afternoon (18 January) after hearing arguments from the prosecution and the defence.
Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim appeared for the prosecution and presented arguments on the role of the accused. During the hearing, three allegations against Obaidul Quader were read out.
The prosecution said all seven accused were involved in issuing orders, instigating and provoking the killing of protesters during the July–August movement and sought the framing of charges to begin the trial.
Lawyers Lokman Howlader and Ishrat Jahan appeared for the absconding accused and said their clients were not involved in the allegations. They sought their discharge, citing a lack of evidence and requested that charges not be framed.
After hearing both sides, the tribunal fixed 22 January for its order.
The other absconding accused 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; its General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil; Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain; and its General Secretary Wali Asif Inan.
