Prosecution presents leaked audio evidence of former ministers planning crackdown during July uprising

The prosecution at the International Crimes Tribunal-2 presented intercepted phone conversations on Monday, allegedly linking high-ranking Awami League officials to the state-sanctioned crackdown during the July mass uprising. The audio transcripts were introduced during the fourth day of arguments in a case against seven senior party figures, including former General Secretary Obaidul Quader, for alleged crimes against humanity.

Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hussain presented a 97-second audio record of a conversation between former Law Minister Anisul Huq and Salman F. Rahman, the former private industry and investment advisor to the prime minister. In the recording, Huq is heard discussing options to quell the protests, suggesting either an immediate curfew to “finish them off” or inflicting “real harm.” Salman F. Rahman responded by indicating that the first option was “working” and should be pursued. Huq further mentioned that a colleague, referred to as “Kamal,” suggested that “the north side” needed to be involved, a sentiment Rahman confirmed had also been communicated to him.

The prosecution also submitted transcripts of a July 21, 2024, conversation between Obaidul Quader and organizational secretary Mirza Azam. During the call, Quader confirmed that the government intended to maintain the curfew and discussed logistical preparations for party activities. Azam expressed the need for funding to maintain support at the ward level, complaining that many members of parliament were failing to provide financial backing.

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In the transcript, Azam noted that while some leaders were spending money in their constituencies, others like Ferdous and Mohammad A. Arafat were unreachable. Quader remarked that Arafat had actually requested money rather than providing it, while Azam alleged that some MPs would not even answer phone calls. Azam further stated that he had tasked Mahbubul Alam Hanif with overseeing Arafat’s constituency and requested Hanif to cover necessary expenses.

The charges involve the violent suppression of the anti-discrimination movement. The defendants in the case include Obaidul Quader, Mohammad Ali Arafat, Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan, and Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif. All accused individuals currently remain fugitives from justice.