The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is set to deliver its verdict on October 29 in a high-profile case against four individuals accused in connection with the deaths of six people during the July 2024 uprising in Kushtia. Among the accused is Mahbubul Alam Hanif, the Joint General Secretary of the Awami League.

The three-member bench of ICT-2, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, scheduled the verdict following the completion of hearings on legal arguments related to the case on October 7. Since then, the tribunal has reserved its judgment.

Alongside Hanif, the other three defendants named in the case are former Kushtia Zila Parishad chairman and district Awami League President Sadar Uddin Khan, district General Secretary Azgar Ali, and former Kushtia Sadar Upazila Parishad chairman Ataur Rahman Ata. All four remain absconding and have not appeared before the tribunal.

The charges against the accused include involvement in the killing of six individuals in Kushtia during the uprising. Prosecutors allege that the defendants took part in a conspiracy, specifically citing a meeting held on July 29, 2024, in Kushtia, where orders were supposedly issued to suppress the movement by violent means. The indictment also cites the defendants’ support for statements and positions attributed to Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader aimed at quelling the protests.

The tribunal's ruling is expected to bring clarity to the events surrounding the July uprising, which saw significant unrest and loss of life. However, with the accused currently evading arrest, the enforcement of any verdict may face practical challenges.