Bangladesh Tribunal Sentences Quader and Six Others to Death

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-2 has sentenced seven senior political figures, including former Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, to death over crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 uprising.

The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, by a three-member bench led by Tribunal-2 Chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The other members of the panel were Judge Md Manzurul Basid and Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.

The other six people 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 Hossain and its general secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan.

The case relates to alleged crimes against humanity during the July 2024 mass uprising, including allegations concerning killings, incitement, orders and conspiracy connected to efforts to suppress the movement. The prosecution had sought the maximum punishment for the accused.

The tribunal formally took cognisance of the prosecution’s charges on 18 December 2025 and issued arrest warrants for all seven accused. They were subsequently tried in absentia after remaining outside the reach of law enforcement authorities.

On 22 January 2026, the tribunal framed charges against the seven defendants, allowing the trial to proceed. The prosecution later presented its evidence before both sides completed their arguments.

According to reports on the proceedings, 29 prosecution witnesses, including the investigation officer, testified during the trial. The recording of witness testimony concluded on 2 August.

All seven defendants were listed as absconding throughout the proceedings. Arrest warrants were issued after the tribunal accepted the formal charges, but authorities were unable to locate them.

The tribunal subsequently ordered notices to be published in national newspapers requiring the accused to appear before the court. The case continued without their physical presence.

The prosecution and defence completed their closing arguments before the tribunal reserved the judgment. The case was kept for judgment on 17 August, with the verdict date later fixed for 15 September.

The death sentences represent the maximum punishment available in the case and mark a significant development in the legal proceedings arising from the July 2024 uprising.

The verdict comes amid continuing legal proceedings involving political figures and members of organisations associated with the former Awami League government. The tribunal's ruling is expected to remain a major focus of Bangladesh's political and legal landscape.

Daily Dazzling Dawn understands that the seven defendants remain legally entitled to pursue any remedies available under Bangladesh’s applicable legal process. Further developments concerning the implementation or challenge of the sentences are expected to follow the tribunal’s judgment.