The International Crimes Tribunal has sought a detailed explanation from the police regarding the circumstances under which Obaidul Quader, General Secretary of the Awami League and former Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, left the country.
The tribunal has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to submit this explanation within two weeks.
The tribunal’s directive was issued on Tuesday (17 December) during a hearing of a case concerning allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Chief Prosecutor Advocate Mohammad Tazul Islam informed reporters about the development following the hearing.
Tazul Islam stated, “We have brought the matter to the court’s attention. Obaidul Quader had been in Bangladesh for the past three months. The tribunal has instructed the authorities to clarify where he was during this time, why he was not arrested despite an active warrant, and how he subsequently crossed the country’s borders. The court has ordered that this explanation must be provided within 15 days.”
He further added that anyone found assisting individuals in evading arrest, despite the court’s directives, would also face legal action as per the law.
In addition to this, Tazul Islam revealed that the "Disappearance Commission" has found evidence linking former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to incidents of enforced disappearances.
A report from the commission has been submitted to the tribunal, identifying Hasina as the “nucleus” of the July-August genocide. The tribunal has granted two months to complete the ongoing investigation against her.
Furthermore, the tribunal has directed the IGP to provide an update on the progress of Interpol’s red notice issued against Hasina.
The tribunal has also accepted the investigation commission’s report for consideration.
Tazul Islam noted that the court has set a deadline of 18 February to conclude the investigation.
Additionally, the tribunal’s judicial panel, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza and comprising Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, has granted two months for the completion of the investigation into the July-August genocide case against the former prime minister.
