Prosecutors at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal have sought the maximum punishment for seven former Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League leaders accused of crimes against humanity linked to the July mass uprising.

The prosecution also requested the confiscation of the defendants’ movable and immovable assets, according to Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Aminul Islam.

Speaking to reporters after presenting arguments before International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, Aminul said prosecutors had proven all four charges against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

“The offenses are extremely serious, and we believe the evidence establishes their responsibility for killings and injuries that occurred during the July-August uprising,” he said.

The prosecution argued that the defendants played key roles in encouraging, directing and coordinating efforts to suppress anti-government protests, which later escalated into widespread violence across the country.

According to prosecutors, evidence presented to the court included documents, witness testimony and recorded phone conversations allegedly linking the accused to planning meetings, mobilization efforts and actions aimed at countering the protest movement. Prosecutors also alleged that some defendants were involved in attempts to influence media coverage during the unrest.

Defense arguments began on Wednesday through state-appointed counsel representing the fugitive defendants and are expected to continue at a later hearing.

The case centers on allegations that coordinated actions by political leaders and affiliated organizations contributed to killings, attempted killings and other acts of violence during the nationwide uprising.

Those named in the case include former Road Transport and Bridges Minister and former Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former State Minister for Information Mohammad Ali Arafat, Awami League Joint General Secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Jubo League General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, former Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and former General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan.

All seven defendants are currently being tried in absentia after being declared fugitives, according to court proceedings.