International Crimes Tribunal Convicts Seven Politicians for Crimes Against Humanity

Dhaka’s International Crimes Tribunal‑2 delivered a landmark ruling, imposing death sentences on seven senior Awami League politicians for alleged crimes against humanity tied to the July 2024 mass movement.

The three‑judge panel, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, determined that the accused – all currently at large – directed armed cadres to launch coordinated attacks on students and civilians, resulting in murders, attempted killings, torture and other inhumane acts. The convicted include State Minister Mohammad Ali Arif, joint secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, Student League president Saddam Hussain, Student League secretary Sheikh Vali Asif Inan, Jubo League leader Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash and Jubo League secretary Mainul Hussain Khan Nikhal.

The prosecution cited violations of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973. This decision arrives after Human Rights Watch warned that Bangladesh’s legal processes were falling short of international standards, raising concerns about fair trials and political retribution.