Obaidul Quader Sentenced to Death With Six Others by ICT-2

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader sentenced to death on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, along with six other senior leaders. The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) in Dhaka gave the verdict in a crimes against humanity case linked to the July Uprising of 2024.

The verdict came around noon after a trial that lasted about eight months. It is one of the most important rulings so far in the cases over the deadly crackdown on student protesters.

Who Are the Seven Convicts?

Along with Quader, the tribunal gave the death penalty to six others. They are:

Mohammad Ali Arafat, former state minister for information. AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Awami League Joint General Secretary. Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Chairman of Jubo League. Moinul Hossain Nikhil, General Secretary of Jubo League. Saddam Hussain, President of Chhatra League. Sheikh Wali Asif Enan, General Secretary of Chhatra League.

A three-member bench led the trial. Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury headed the tribunal. Justice Md Manjurul Basit and Justice Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir were the other two members.

Obaidul Quader Sentenced to Death: Assets to Be Confiscated

Besides the death sentence, the tribunal ordered the government to confiscate half of the assets of five convicts. These are Quader, Nasim, Arafat, Parash and Nikhil.

The court said the confiscated assets must be sold. The money from the sale will go to the families of those killed in the July Uprising and to people who were injured. The tribunal said this compensation will be given through the July Foundation or another statutory body.

What the Prosecution Said

According to the prosecution, Quader held command and control over law enforcement agencies as Awami League General Secretary and a cabinet minister. The prosecution said he also controlled armed cadres of the Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League. Chhatra League is now banned in Bangladesh.

The prosecution claimed these forces violently tried to crush the quota reform movement, which began on 1 July 2024.

Prosecutors told the court that more than 1,400 protesters lost their lives. They also said over 25,000 people suffered serious injuries. According to them, the attacks were widespread, systematic and targeted at civilians, and the accused knew about them and took part in them.

Role of Each Accused

The prosecution described a separate role for each of the other six leaders.

Nasim allegedly helped organise and manage the party’s response to the protests. Arafat allegedly worked to control the media and hide reports of killings and violence.

Parash and Nikhil allegedly mobilised Jubo League activists against the protesters. The prosecution also claimed that Nikhil himself opened fire on protesters.

Chhatra League leaders Saddam and Enan were accused of gathering armed cadres and coordinating attacks on the movement.

Timeline of the Case

The case moved step by step over more than a year. The investigation started on 18 June 2025. The investigation agency then submitted its report to the prosecution on 7 December 2025.

On 18 December, the tribunal took cognisance of the charges. It formally framed seven charges against the accused on 22 January 2026.

The trial began on 17 February 2026. During the trial, 29 prosecution witnesses gave testimony before the court. Both sides then presented closing arguments over nine working days, from 4 August to 17 August 2026.

Why This Verdict Matters

The July Uprising of 2024 changed the political path of Bangladesh. What began as a student protest against the government job quota system soon became a nationwide movement. You can learn more about the July Revolution in Bangladesh and the role of the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh.

This verdict follows earlier rulings in cases linked to the uprising, including the case in which former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. For more coverage, read our Bangladesh politics updates and July Uprising news.

For many families of the victims, the order to pay compensation from the convicts’ assets is also an important step toward justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Obaidul Quader sentenced to death?
The International Crimes Tribunal-2 found him guilty of crimes against humanity for his role in the violent crackdown on protesters during the July Uprising in 2024.

Who else received the death penalty with Obaidul Quader?
Mohammad Ali Arafat, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Moinul Hossain Nikhil, Saddam Hussain and Sheikh Wali Asif Enan.

Which court gave the verdict?
A three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury.

What will happen to the convicts’ assets?
Half of the assets of five convicts will be confiscated and sold. The money will go to the families of those killed and to the people injured in the uprising.

How many people died in the July Uprising, according to the prosecution?
The prosecution said more than 1,400 protesters were killed and over 25,000 were seriously injured.

When did the trial start?
The trial started on 17 February 2026, and 29 prosecution witnesses testified.