Abu Sayed killing: ICT releases 809-page full verdict

The full 809-page verdict in the case over the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayed during the July Uprising has been published, according to court sources today (14 June).

The verdict was delivered earlier on 9 April by International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2), headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury.

The tribunal sentenced two police personnel to death, three more accused to life imprisonment, and handed varying prison terms to several others.

The case stems from the killing of Abu Sayed, a student of the 12th batch of the English Department at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur. He was killed in police firing at Park Mor in front of the university on 16 July 2024 during the quota reform movement.

Following the political changeover on 5 August 2024, a case alleging crimes against humanity was filed with the International Crimes Tribunal over the incident.

A total of 30 individuals, including former university vice-chancellor Md Hasibur Rashid, were named as accused in the case.

According to tribunal records, 24 of them, including the former vice-chancellor, remain absconding.

However, six accused have been arrested.

They are former university proctor Shariful Islam, former assistant registrar Rafiul Hasan, former contractual employee Anwar Parvez, former assistant sub-inspector Amir Hossain, former constable Sujan Chandra Roy, and Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury, also known as Akash.

The tribunal delivered the verdict on 9 April after both prosecution and defence concluded their arguments on 5 March.

The prosecution was represented by Md Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim.

The defence team included lawyers Aminul Gani Tito, Azizur Rahman Dulu and others, while state-appointed lawyer Sujad Mia represented the absconding accused.