ICT extends deadline for Abu Sayed murder probe by one month

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has granted a one-month extension to complete the investigation into the killing of Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, during last year's anti-discrimination student movement in Rangpur.

The tribunal, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order today (15 June) in response to a prosecution petition seeking more time.

The tribunal directed the investigation agency to complete the probe and submit the report within the next month.

Prosecutor SM Moinul Karim appeared for the prosecution. Speaking to reporters after the hearing, he said, "The investigation into the Abu Sayed murder case is almost at its final stage. We hope to complete the investigation within two weeks."

According to a previous order, 9 April was set as the deadline for submitting the investigation report.

However, following the missed deadline, the tribunal had earlier granted a two-month extension, which expired today.

Four accused in the case — former police sub-inspector Amir Hossain, constable Sujon Chandra Roy, Begum Rokeya University proctor Shariful Islam, and Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury Akash — were brought to the tribunal in a prison van this morning and later returned to jail after court proceedings.

Abu Sayed was killed by police gunfire on 16 July 2024 in front of Begum Rokeya University, during clashes between police and students protesting against discrimination. He was among the first to be killed in the July uprising.

The prosecution told the tribunal that former SI Amir Hossain and constable Sujon Chandra Roy were directly involved in the shooting, while proctor Shariful Islam and Chhatra League activist Imran Chowdhury Akash, among others, incited the violence.

The prosecution also petitioned to show these four individuals — already under arrest in separate cases — as arrested in the Abu Sayed murder case.