Arrest warrants issued against Obaidul Quader, top 7 Awami League leaders

The International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants against Obaidul Quader, general secretary of the banned Awami League and former bridge minister, and seven others for the massacre and suppression of the movement that took place in July-August 24.

On Thursday (December 18) afternoon, the International Crimes Tribunal took note of the charges and ordered the arrest of the concerned individuals.

Apart from Obaidul Quader, the other accused in the case are Awami League leader Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Jubo League general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and Chhatra League president Saddam Hossain and general secretary Sheikh Wali Hasan Inan.

Earlier, the prosecution formally filed a complaint against Obaidul Quader and seven others with the registrar of International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Thursday morning. The charge sheet contains multiple allegations of suppressing the July-August mass movement, attacks on students and the general public, shootings and massacres.

The charge states that, at the instigation and direction of the top leadership of the Awami League, the leaders and activists of the Chhatra League and Jubo League carried out organized repression against the protesting students. Many people were injured and panic spread across the country.

The prosecution further stated that these violent activities were carried out under the direct direction and political patronage of Obaidul Quader, which is punishable under international crimes.

After reviewing the allegations, the tribunal initially concluded that there was sufficient basis and ordered the arrest of the accused.

The relevant quarters believe that this order marks an important progress in the trial process in the violence surrounding the July-August movement.