The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) has ordered the publication of a newspaper notice directing seven individuals, including Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, to appear in court in connection with a case on crimes against humanity committed during the anti-discrimination student movement in July–August.
The order was issued on Tuesday at ICT-2.
The prosecution stated that if the absconding accused do not appear by January 8, the trial will proceed in their absence.
Apart from Obaidul Quader, the other accused in the case 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, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and Chhatra League General Secretary Wali Asif Enan.
The seven accused were supposed to be presented in court on Monday following their arrests. However, law enforcement agencies could not locate anyone at their permanent or temporary addresses. The prosecution informed ICT-2 of this through a non-execution report.
Earlier, on December 18, ICT-2 issued arrest warrants against the seven accused, including Obaidul Quader. On the same day, the prosecution formally filed charges with the ICT-2 registrar. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim conducted a hearing on the matter.
After the hearing, following the prosecution’s request, the three-member bench of ICT-2, led by Chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, accepted the charges and issued arrest warrants against all seven accused.
