The closing arguments in the case against former Awami League government minister Obaidul Quader and six others over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising have been postponed.
The International Crimes Tribunal-2 issued the order on Sunday following a prosecution plea for additional time. The arguments will now be held on 14 June.
Earlier, the tribunal fixed 17 May for closing arguments after completing witness testimony on 27 April. In the case, the prosecution examined 26 witnesses, including investigation officer Ahmed Naser Uddin Mohammad.
The tribunal framed charges against Obaidul Quader and six others on 22 January. The other accused include suspended Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and banned student organisation Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan.
On 18 December last year, the tribunal took formal cognisance of the charges and issued arrest warrants against all seven accused, including Obaidul Quader.
As law enforcement agencies failed to arrest them, the court appointed state-funded lawyers to represent the accused. The tribunal noted that trial in absentia faces no legal barrier under existing law.
According to the prosecution, Obaidul Quader, as a powerful government minister, played a key role in planning, directing and implementing alleged mass killings during the July–August period as Awami League general secretary.
It also alleged that other accused leaders, including Bahauddin Nasim and Mohammad Ali Arafat, were directly involved in facilitating the process. The prosecution further claimed that Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League acted as auxiliary forces alongside police and other agencies, taking part in attacks against protesting students and the public.
They were allegedly involved in killings, torture and severe injuries aimed at suppressing the movement.
The prosecution said Quader was made an accused under command responsibility, along with other top leaders of their respective organisations.
