Tribunal orders confiscation of half the property of 5 death-row convicts including Quader

The International Crimes Tribunal has ordered the confiscation of half the property of five of the seven accused sentenced to death in the case of crimes against humanity committed during July 2024, excluding Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan.

At the same time, the tribunal has directed that the proceeds from the sale of the confiscated property be used to provide appropriate compensation to all those killed and injured in the July-August movement, or their families, through the 'July Foundation' or another statutory body.

The historic order was passed while delivering the verdict in the case by the three-member Tribunal-2, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, on Tuesday, September 15. The other two members of the tribunal are Judge Md Manjurul Bashid and Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.

The other death-row convicts are Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash and General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil. All accused in the case are absconding.

All seven accused are currently at large.

It may be mentioned that on August 17, after the presentation of arguments in the case, the tribunal kept it pending for judgment. Earlier, on August 2, the taking of evidence in the case was completed. A total of 29 prosecution witnesses, including the investigating officer, testified in the case.