Families of those killed in the July-August 2024 uprising and movement figures yesterday welcomed the death sentences against Obaidul Quader and six other Awami League leaders, but said justice would remain incomplete until the fugitives were brought back and the verdict implemented.
Relatives of the victims described the International Crimes Tribunal-2 ruling as a long-awaited step towards justice, while witnesses and former movement coordinators called for immediate efforts to arrest the convicts and carry out their sentences.
The reactions came after the tribunal sentenced all seven fugitive leaders to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising.
Mosharraf Hossain, father of July uprising victim Meherunnesa Tanha, who was present at the tribunal when the judgment was delivered, said he was satisfied but wanted the convicts arrested and the sentences carried out.
He also welcomed the order confiscating half the assets of five convicts for compensation to July victims and their families, urging that the money be distributed through the July Foundation.
Mahin Sarkar, a former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and a witness in the case, described the judgment as “historic”, but said its significance would depend on implementation.
He called on the government to bring the fugitives back to Bangladesh and execute the sentences without delay.
Political analyst and prosecution witness Ashraf Kaiser said the verdict would bring peace to those killed, injured or permanently disabled in the uprising.
Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam also expressed satisfaction, saying the majority of the four charges against each accused had been proved beyond reasonable doubt.
Defence lawyers voiced dissatisfaction
State-appointed defence lawyers also voiced dissatisfaction.
Israt Jahan, who represented four of the convicts, said she respected and accepted the tribunal’s decision but was “not satisfied” with it.
M Hasan Imam, who represented Quader, AFM Bahauddin Nasim and Mohammad Ali Arafat, similarly said the defence had presented its arguments on issues including command responsibility but he could not be satisfied with the outcome.
Verdict enters India ties
The fallout also reached Bangladesh’s relations with India.
Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said the handover of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Quader and others sought by Bangladesh was a crucial condition for easing relations with New Delhi.
“We are seeking Sheikh Hasina; why wouldn’t we seek Obaidul Quader and the others as well?” he said, calling on India to consider the issue “for the sake of a working engagement with Bangladesh”.