Bangladesh Awami League Denounces Death Sentences as Unjust
Awami League's Strong Rejection of ICT Verdict
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Dhaka, September 16: The Awami League of Bangladesh has firmly condemned the death sentences imposed on seven of its leaders and activists by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), labeling the decision as "biased, one-sided, and fabricated."
This statement follows the ICT's recent ruling, which sentenced Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader along with six other senior party figures for alleged "crimes against humanity" related to the mass uprising in July 2024, as reported by local news outlets.
The party claims that this so-called verdict represents a continuation of the judicial system being weaponized to eliminate political opposition.
They pointed out that none of the accused were present during the tribunal proceedings, emphasizing that international criminal law mandates certain legal protections, including the right for defendants to select their own legal counsel. The Awami League argues that these essential rights were disregarded in this case.
According to the party, the judicial process has been expedited without regard for fundamental human rights principles, fostering a culture of impunity and political retribution instead of upholding the rule of law.
The Awami League contends that the recent verdict, along with all ICT actions since August 5, 2024, represents a serious breach of international law and human rights standards.
Criticizing the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, the party described the regime as "undemocratic and unconstitutional," alleging that it amended the International Crimes Tribunal Act of 1973 through an ordinance, effectively turning the legal process into a retaliatory scheme against Awami League leaders.
"In a bid for political revenge, the unlawful government of Mohammad Yunus established prosecution and judicial panels filled with members of Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), pursuing a series of false cases against Awami League leaders based on untruths," they stated.
The party expressed serious concerns that these death sentences could intensify the ongoing cycle of violence that has already resulted in numerous fatalities and arbitrary detentions, with tens of thousands imprisoned.
They further accused Bangladeshi authorities of conducting a "killing spree" under the guise of a "farce trial" related to the violence and fatalities from the July-August 2024 protests.
"This latest unjust verdict is a significant setback for democracy in the country, serving as a stark reminder to citizens and victims of the July-August violence that their quest for justice has been entirely stripped away. Many activists have seen their homes and businesses vandalized with complete impunity," the Awami League asserted.
"The extensive purge within the judiciary prior to the trial, along with ongoing mob violence against lawyers and physical assaults on victims within court premises, are clear indicators of this sham trial," they added.
Alleging that the ICT has dangerously empowered Islamist extremists, the party noted that numerous convicted militants, including those linked to Al Qaeda, have been granted bail, contributing to making Bangladesh a "dangerous place on earth."