Badaruddin Umar Passes Away, Leaves Behind Key Deposition Before ICT
Renowned writer, researcher, and political thinker Badaruddin Umar, president of the National Liberation Council, has passed away at the age of 94. He died on 7 September 2025 at the Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Shyamoli, Dhaka. His death marks the end of a long career in politics, research, and public life, but also leaves behind an important deposition that is now part of an ongoing case before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
Earlier this year, Umar gave a detailed statement to the tribunal’s investigation officer regarding the July 2024 uprising, in which thousands of students and ordinary citizens rose against the government. On February 14, 2025, he submitted a six-page written deposition, along with a video statement. Although he did not appear in court to deliver his testimony directly, the record of his deposition is now being considered by prosecutors, who may apply to admit it as evidence following his death.
In his statement, Umar described the 2024 uprising as exceptional in both scale and significance, surpassing earlier movements such as the Language Movement of 1952, the 1969 mass uprising, and the anti-autocracy movement of 1990. He noted that the student movement played the decisive role, showing extraordinary discipline, courage, and sacrifice. According to him, the uprising not only brought down a government but also reshaped the country’s political landscape.
Umar strongly criticized Sheikh Hasina’s government, accusing it of capturing almost every state institution, including the Election Commission, police, and civil administration, between 2009 and 2024. He alleged that during her long tenure, torture cells such as the notorious “Aynaghor” were created, while enforced disappearances, secret detentions, and repression of political opponents became commonplace. He argued that intelligence agencies, particularly the DGFI, were misused to crush opposition, especially the BNP.
In his deposition, he also addressed Bangladesh’s external relations, claiming that Sheikh Hasina’s government relied heavily on India’s support and intelligence networks. He suggested that India had played a central role in bringing her to power and that her political survival was tied closely to Delhi’s interests. Umar even warned that India could eventually remove her, making it appear to be an internal Bangladeshi matter, if she became a liability.
Reflecting on the political outcome of the July 2024 events, Umar argued that the Awami League, under Sheikh Hasina, lost not only political office but also the trust of the people, in a manner comparable to the decline of the Muslim League in earlier decades. He maintained that her hold on power and her political narrative diverged increasingly from the expectations and values of the Bangladeshi people.
Following his death, the prosecution has confirmed that Umar’s written and video deposition remain on record. They noted that the tribunal’s law allows statements from deceased witnesses to be submitted under certain provisions, and a decision will soon be taken on whether his testimony will formally be placed before the court.
With his passing, Bangladesh has lost one of its most outspoken intellectuals and political voices, but his final testimony may still play a significant role in shaping the tribunal’s proceedings on one of the country’s most contested recent episodes.
Relevant news reports in this regard are as follows:
Prothom Alo : https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/bdppxmuzsn
Prothom Alo : https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/87ffpn35kn
Prothom Alo : https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/bdppxmuzsn
BD Today : https://bdtoday.net/national/56026
JagoNews24 : https://www.jagonews24.com/law-courts/news/1050155
Ittefak : https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/750908