Seven Top Awami League Leaders Sentenced to Death by Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal

Kathmandu, September 16 – The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh handed down death sentences on Tuesday to seven senior leaders of the Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. They were convicted for crimes against humanity committed during the 2024 student protests. The seven leaders were accused of inciting, directing, or encouraging violence during the movement.

The case was overseen by a three-member tribunal (ICT-2) chaired by Judge Mohammad Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The trial proceeded in absentia as all accused were reported to be fugitives. The sentenced leaders include Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Joint General Secretaries AFM Bahauddin Nasim and Mohammad Ali Arafat. Additionally, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Anan were also sentenced, according to Bangladeshi media outlet Dhaka Tribune.

The court appointed government lawyers to represent all seven defendants. Notably, the tribunal had previously sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death ten months ago in a separate case related to the 2024 student protests.