Abu Sayed killing: ICT concludes trial, verdict due soon

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) has concluded the trial proceedings in the case over the killing of Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, and is set to deliver its verdict any day.

The two-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Manjurul Bashid, passed the order today (27 January) after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence.

Following the completion of defence arguments, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam presented a rebuttal on behalf of the prosecution, after which defence lawyers offered a counter-rebuttal.

After concluding all arguments, the tribunal did not set a specific date for the verdict, stating that it would be announced any day.

Prosecutors Moinul Karim, Farooq Ahmed, Shahidul Islam Sardar, and others represented the prosecution at the hearing. Lawyers Azizur Rahman Dulu, Abul Hasan, and others appeared for the defence.

Abu Sayed was shot dead by police during the anti-discrimination students' movement on 16 July 2024. The case has been filed under charges of crimes against humanity.

The prosecution began presenting its arguments on 21 January and concluded on Sunday (25 January).

During three working days, prosecutors placed various aspects of the case before the tribunal, including CCTV footage from the main gate of Begum Rokeya University captured on 16 July 2024.

While presenting the footage, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam identified the accused, their positions, and their alleged activities shown in the video evidence. The prosecution sought the maximum punishment for the 30 accused.

Defence lawyers Aminul Gani Tito, Azizur Rahman Dulu, Abul Hasan, and state defence counsel later presented their arguments, seeking the acquittal of their clients.

Earlier today, police produced six arrested accused before the tribunal from jail.

They are former assistant sub-inspector Amir Hossain, former university proctor Shariful Islam, constable Sujan Chandra Roy, Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury, Rafiul Hasan Russel, and Anwar Parvez.

However, 24 accused, including former vice-chancellor of Begum Rokeya University Hasibur Rashid, remain absconding.

ICT-2 framed charges against the 30 accused on 6 August. The charges were taken into cognisance on 30 June, following the submission of the investigation report to the Chief Prosecutor's office on 24 June.

On 22 July, the tribunal appointed four lawyers as state defence counsel for the absconding accused. The formal trial began on 27 August last year with the prosecution's opening statement.