TDS Desk:

The International Crimes Tribunal has fixed 18 January for the hearing on charge framing in a crimes against humanity case against seven absconding political leaders, including Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former state minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, and Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash.

The tribunal today (8 January) also ordered the appointment of state-funded defence lawyers to represent the accused, as they remain absconding. However, the names of the lawyers appointed as state defence counsel have not yet been disclosed.

The order was passed by a two-member International Crimes Tribunal, headed by retired district and sessions judge Md Manjurul Bashid, according to court sources.

Besides Obaidul Quader, the accused include Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and its General Secretary Wali Asif Inan, Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, and its General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil.

The surrender date of the seven accused was fixed 8 January. As none of them appeared before the tribunal within the stipulated time, the court declared them absconders.

Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim represented the prosecution during the hearing, while prosecutors Faruk Ahmed, Abdus Sattar Palowan and others were also present.

Earlier, on 18 December 2025, Tribunal-2 took cognisance of the formal charges against the seven leaders and issued arrest warrants.

According to the prosecution, the accused were allegedly involved in issuing orders, instigating and provoking killings during the July Uprising.

Although 29 December was initially set for their appearance, law enforcement agencies failed to locate them at their permanent or temporary addresses.

The tribunal subsequently ordered the publication of notices in newspapers on 30 December, directing them to appear before the court, and fixed 8 January for further hearing.

As the accused again failed to appear, the tribunal decided, in accordance with procedural rules, to appoint state defence lawyers and proceed with the case.