Qader’s Call Record Before Tribunal, 2nd Day of Arguments Against 7 Leaders
The prosecution on Thursday continued its closing arguments for the second consecutive day before the International Crimes Tribunal in a case over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising. The case involves former Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and seven senior leaders of the Jubo League and the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League.
Proceedings continued before a three-member bench of International Crimes Tribunal-2, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The prosecution presented case documents, witness testimonies, audio recordings, video footage, digital evidence, eyewitness statements, and other materials in support of its arguments.
According to the prosecution, Quader telephoned then Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain on July 11, 2024, and instructed him to take a hard line against the protesting students. Prosecutors submitted an alleged audio recording of the conversation before the tribunal.
The prosecution said the recording allegedly captured Quader saying, “Why aren’t they being beaten? Why are you letting them grow?” Saddam Hossain allegedly replied, “The police have told us not to confront them.”
Prosecutors argued that the conversation is a key piece of evidence regarding the role of the then ruling party and its affiliated organisations in suppressing the July uprising. They further contended that the evidence presented during the investigation proves the charges against the accused beyond reasonable doubt and requested the tribunal to impose the maximum punishment. The defence has not yet presented its response.
Closing arguments began on Tuesday after the examination of witnesses concluded. A total of 28 witnesses, including the investigating officer, testified before the tribunal. The witnesses included injured persons, eyewitnesses, and officials involved in the investigation.
The other accused are Awami League Joint General Secretary A. F. M. 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 Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and General Secretary Wali Asif Inan. According to tribunal records, all are currently absconding.
On January 22 this year, International Crimes Tribunal-2 formally framed charges against the accused and ordered the trial to begin. After the prosecution concludes its closing arguments, the defence will present its submissions before the tribunal fixes a date for the verdict.
