The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to explain how former government minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader evaded arrest despite an existing warrant issued for his alleged involvement in the July-August massacre. The IGP has been given two weeks to submit the explanation.The order was issued on Tuesday (December 17) during a hearing conducted by a three-member judicial panel led by the tribunal’s chairman, Justice Md Golam Mortuza. The other members of the tribunal are Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. The Chief Prosecutor, Advocate Mohammad Tajul Islam, represented the state during the proceedings.

Following the hearing, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam informed reporters that the tribunal has sought a progress or investigation report into the allegations involving Obaidul Quader and other former cabinet members. The court has set February 18 as the next date for the submission of the full investigation or progress report.

Tajul Islam further stated, “We informed the court that Obaidul Quader was reportedly present in Bangladesh for the past three months. The tribunal has sought an explanation from the law enforcement agencies regarding his movements, including how he managed to evade arrest and whether he subsequently crossed the border. The court expects a comprehensive response within two weeks.”

The Chief Prosecutor emphasised that if anyone is found to have assisted Obaidul Quader in evading arrest, legal action can be taken against them for violating court instructions.

Earlier in the day, 16 accused, including former ministers and influential Awami League leaders such as Amir Hossain Amu, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haque Inu, and Abdur Razzak, along with 12 ministers, two advisers, judges, and bureaucrats, were produced before the tribunal at 10 AM. The tribunal's order followed hearings on their individual cases and related applications.