Dhaka, Jan. 22 -- The International Crimes Tribunal has ordered the start of a trial against Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six others in a crimes against humanity case. Feb 17 has been set for opening statements and the recording of witness testimony.

The order was issued on Thursday by a three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by Chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The other two members of the bench are retired district and sessions judge Md Manjurul Bashid and District And Sessions Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.

Besides Obaidul Quader, the other accused are Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Ar...