The International Crimes Tribunal-2 has ordered the commencement of trial against suspended Awami League General Secretary and former Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader along with six other accused in a case over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. The three-member panel, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, rejected the defendants’ discharge petitions and set February 17 for opening statements and the first witness testimony.

Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi M.H. Tamim argued on January 18 that the accused bore individual responsibility, reading out three charges against Quader and alleging that all seven had incited and directed killings of protesters between July and August. Defense lawyers Lokman Hawlader and Ishrat Jahan denied any involvement of their clients and sought dismissal of the charges for lack of evidence. The tribunal fixed January 22 for its ruling after hearing both sides.

The other accused, including senior Awami League and affiliated organization leaders, remain absconding. The tribunal appointed state defense lawyers for them after they failed to surrender on January 8 despite arrest warrants issued earlier.