Court demands explanation for why Obaidul Quader has not been arrested

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Muhammad Tazul Islam, announced that law enforcement officials have been asked to explain why Awami League leader Obaidul Quader has not been arrested yet.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, December 17, Tazul Islam revealed that Quader had been in the country for three months. 

The court has asked why he wasn’t taken into custody during that time, and a report has been requested from the law enforcement agencies to clarify this.

Tazul also warned that if the authorities fail to cooperate despite the court‍‍`s order, further actions will be taken. 

The prosecutor noted that the court is also seeking answers on how Obaidul Quader managed to leave the country. 

Additionally, the tribunal has asked about Interpol’s efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina back from India.

The Chief Prosecutor referred to a report by the Disappearance Commission, which states that Sheikh Hasina was at the "nucleus of the crimes." 

Over the last 15 years, she has been directly involved in horrific crimes, including ordering the killing of many people and having their bodies disposed of in rivers by sealing them in cement bags. 

Intelligence agency chiefs have made confessions regarding these actions.

Tazul Islam added that the tribunal is reviewing the commission’s report. He further mentioned that the court has set February 18 as the deadline for completing the investigation.

Additionally, the International Crimes Tribunal has given two months to complete the investigation into the genocide case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, related to incidents in July and August. 

On Tuesday, a three-member judicial panel, led by Tribunal Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza, made this decision. 

The other members of the tribunal are Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md. Mahitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.