Bangladesh tribunal sentences seven senior Awami League leaders to death
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced seven senior Awami League leaders to death in absentia for their roles in suppressing 2024 student-led protests. The verdict follows a trial regarding their involvement in inciting violence and repression.
Why it matters
This ruling marks a significant legal development in the aftermath of the political transition in Bangladesh, reflecting ongoing accountability efforts.
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday (September 15, 2026) sentenced to death seven senior leaders of the banned Awami League for crimes against humanity over their alleged roles in directing, inciting or facilitating violence during the 2024 student-led protests, dubbed the July Uprising.
The three-member tribunal (ICT-2) headed by Justice Mohammad Nazrul Islam Chowdhury delivered the verdict against the seven, who were tried in absentia.
Awami League General Secretary and former Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader, Joint General Secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim and former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat were among those sentenced to death.
The other four were Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, its General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hussain and its General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan.
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