International Crimes Tribunal-2 is set to deliver its verdict today against seven individuals, including Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, in connection with crimes against humanity committed during the suppression of the anti-discrimination student-mass movement.

The three-member judicial panel, led by Tribunal Chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, will announce the judgment on Tuesday (September 15). The other members of the panel are judges Md. Monjurul Basid and Nur Mohammad Shahrier Kabir.

The defendants face charges of formulating state and political decisions to crush the protests, inciting violence, providing financial backing, and conspiring.

All seven accused remain at large, and the trial concluded in absentia as law enforcement was unable to apprehend them. Today's ruling will determine their legal punishment if found guilty.

Aside from Obaidul Quader, the remaining defendants 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 Parosh, Jubo League General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and Chhatra League General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan.

According to the prosecution, the accused collectively issued directives, provoked violence, and delivered inflammatory speeches to suppress the movement. They allegedly urged party activists to take to the streets, planned violent crackdowns during various meetings, and played active roles in armed assaults.

Prosecutors argued that these actions led to widespread killings, attempted murders, and violence across the country. During closing arguments, Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim highlighted that Obaidul Quader had instructed party members at rallies to build resistance in every ward against demonstrators.

Evidence presented to the court included an audio recording of a conversation between Quader and Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, along with various newspaper reports, which the prosecution argued established the political directive behind suppressing the protests.

Chief Prosecutor Md. Aminul Islam concluded the state's closing arguments on August 12, asserting that all charges had been proven and demanding maximum exemplary punishment for the accused.

Defense counsel, appointed at state expense, sought the acquittal of their clients. M. Hasan Imam, representing Quader, Nasim, and Arafat, argued that shoot-at-sight orders were issued to protect public life and property, and that his clients held no commanding positions nor ordered any killings.

Ishrat Jahan Omi, representing the four leaders of Chhatra League and Jubo League, argued that her clients' names were absent from incidents involving the suppression of protests at Dhaka University, adding that allegations of failing to control subordinate activists remained unproven.

The tribunal formally took cognizance of the charges and issued arrest warrants for the seven defendants on December 18, 2025. Due to their absence, state defense lawyers were appointed to represent them.

Tribunal-2 ordered the commencement of the trial by framing charges on January 22 of this year, with formal proceedings beginning with opening statements on February 17. A total of 29 prosecution witnesses, including the investigating officer, testified during the trial.

Following the conclusion of witness testimonies on August 2, closing arguments began and concluded on August 17, after which the case was kept awaiting judgment. Following this timeline, Tribunal-2 will deliver its verdict today.