The International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif, joint general secretary of the now-banned Awami League, to death in a case involving crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising. The tribunal has also ordered the confiscation and sale of half of the assets of Hanif and the other convicted defendants, with the proceeds to be used as compensation for those killed and injured during the July movement through the July Foundation or another statutory body.

The verdict was delivered on Thursday by International Crimes Tribunal-2, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The other two members of the tribunal were Judges Md. Manjurul Bashid and Noor Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.

The three other defendants sentenced to imprisonment for the remainder of their lives are former Kushtia District Council chairman Sadar Uddin Khan, Kushtia district Awami League general secretary Asgar Ali and Kushtia municipal Awami League general secretary Ataur Rahman. All four defendants, including Hanif, are absconding.

The prosecution was represented by Chief Prosecutor Md. Aminul Islam and prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim.

Under the verdict, Hanif was sentenced to death on one charge and rigorous life imprisonment on two charges. The other three defendants—Sadar Uddin Khan, Asgar Ali and Ataur Rahman Ata—were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for the remainder of their lives on one charge and rigorous life imprisonment on two charges. The verdict also states that all four defendants received life imprisonment on another charge.

## Three Charges, Including the Killing of Six People

According to the prosecution, the four defendants faced three charges, including the killing of six people in Kushtia during the July Mass Uprising. The investigation report accused them of ordering attacks on students and members of the public and directly participating in the violence.

The first charge alleged that Hanif attended various meetings and gatherings with Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on July 15, 17 and 30, and August 3, 2024, and supported statements made at those events. He was also accused of making remarks at a discussion meeting at the National Press Club on July 29, labelling protesters as “Jamaat,” “terrorists” and “communal forces,” and inciting, instigating and assisting killings and torture to suppress the movement.

The prosecution further alleged that Hanif supported plans to use lethal weapons against protesters to consolidate and prolong the power of the then government led by Sheikh Hasina. The allegations also included his alleged support for plans to identify protesters using drones, determine their locations and targets, and suppress the movement by firing from helicopters.

The second charge concerned a meeting held on July 27, 2024, at the Kushtia district Awami League office. According to the prosecution, the meeting was led by Hanif and attended by Sadar Uddin Khan, Asgar Ali, Ataur Rahman Ata and other party leaders.

The prosecution alleged that the participants described the peaceful movement of unarmed students and members of the public as “terrorist activities,” while Hanif allegedly instructed them to use maximum force to suppress the protests in Kushtia town.

The other three defendants were also accused of inciting and assisting the use of force, shootings, killings and torture against protesters through decisions and statements made at the meeting.

The third charge relates to the shooting deaths of six people in Kushtia town on August 5, 2024.

The victims were identified as workers Ashraful Islam and Suruj Ali Babu; students Abdullah Al Mustakin and Usama; businessman Bablu Farazi; and employee Yusuf Sheikh.

The tribunal delivered its verdict after concluding the trial over the allegations brought against the four defendants.