Abu Sayed murder trial expected to end by January: Prosecution

The trial in the crimes against humanity case filed over the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayed during the 2024 July Uprising is expected to be completed by January next year, the prosecution said today (10 November).

"The testimony recording of the 12th witness in the case against former Begum Rokeya University vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid and 30 other accused was completed today. We plan to conclude the deposition phase after recording statements from around 30 to 35 witnesses," Prosecutor Mizanul Islam told reporters at a press briefing held at the premises of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka.

"However, we cannot say exactly when the verdict will be delivered, as that depends on the tribunal. We are hopeful the trial will conclude by January," he added.

Responding to questions about delays in witness examinations, Mizanul Islam said, "There was a delay once as one of our witnesses was ill. Apart from that, the investigation officer was occupied with two other cases, and I was also away briefly for work. Such delays are part of normal proceedings. There's no reason to think the prosecution is intentionally slowing down the process. Testimonies will be completed as quickly as possible."

Akib Reza Khan, a student of Begum Rokeya University, testified as the 12th witness before Tribunal-2 today. 

He stated that he personally helped transport Abu Sayed to the hospital after he was shot. He blamed the university administration for the incident, naming several individuals including police officer Assistant Sub-Inspector Amir Hossain, Constable Sujan Chandra Roy, and some university teachers and staff. 

Akib alleged that the administration's "inaction, silence, and negligence" led to the death.

Prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Abdus Sobhan Tarafder, Moinul Karim, and Shahidul Islam represented the prosecution.

Earlier, witness examinations had been rescheduled multiple times — from 13 October to 21 October and to 4 November — due to witness absence.

Among the six arrested accused are ASI Amir Hossain, former BRUR Proctor Shariful Islam, Constable Sujan Chandra Roy, Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury, Rafiul Hasan Russell, and Anwar Parvez.

On 16 July 2024, Abu Sayed, a student of the English department at Begum Rokeya University, was killed by police fire in front of the campus during the quota reform movement and protests of the Students Against Discrimination.

According to the prosecution, then-proctor Shariful Islam and BCL activists forcibly removed students from the university campus. During the incident, two policemen allegedly shot and killed Abu Sayed at close range.

The martyr's family lodged a complaint on 13 January 2025, accusing 25 individuals in connection with the killing.

Earlier, on 15 June, the first tribunal had given the prosecution a one-month deadline to submit the investigation report.

Subsequently, the investigation agency was allowed to interrogate four arrestees - Amir Hossain and Sujan Chandra Roy on 18 June, and Shariful Islam and Imran Chowdhury on 19 June.

On 22 July, the tribunal appointed four state defense lawyers to represent the absconding accused at government expense.

The tribunal began formal trial proceedings with opening statements on 27 August, presented by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam. On 6 August, the tribunal had framed formal charges against 30 accused, ordering the commencement of trial.

Of the 30 accused, 24 remain absconding, including the former vice-chancellor of BRUR.