HC verdict on Abrar murder: Brother expresses concern over fugitive convict, calls for swift execution of sentences
The HC today (16 March) upheld the trial court's verdict in the Abrar Fahad murder case, sentencing 20 people to death and five others to life imprisonment
Following the High Court's verdict in the Abrar Fahad murder case, the victim's younger brother, Abrar Faiyaj, has expressed both satisfaction and concern regarding the legal proceedings.
The HC today (16 March) upheld the trial court's verdict in the Abrar Fahad murder case, sentencing 20 people to death and five others to life imprisonment.
Following the verdict, Abrar's family spoke to the media, where his younger brother Faiyaj conveyed his family's distress over the escape of a convicted murderer, highlighting their demand for prompt execution of the court's ruling.
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Muntasir Al Jamie, one of the death row convicts, fled from prison on 6 August last year, but Abrar's family was informed about the matter on 24 February this year.
Faiyaj questioned the delay in disclosing this critical information, stating, "Why were we informed about his escape six months later? This is beyond our comprehension."
Reflecting on the verdict, Faiyaj admitted that prior to 5 August, the family did not anticipate such a definitive ruling from the HC.
Despite their satisfaction with the ruling, he stressed that several procedural steps are yet to be completed before the judgment is executed, urging authorities to expedite the process.
He added, "The verdict has taken five years. Its execution will serve as a precedent to prevent similar tragedies in the future."
Abrar Fahad's father, Barkat Ullah, said, "We are satisfied with the High Court's ruling. However, the verdict must be implemented swiftly."
Meanwhile, on the issue of campus student politics, Faiyaj stated that while student organisations are entitled to discuss the matter, he firmly believes that no one should have to suffer the fate of his brother.
He urged both the government and student bodies to take appropriate measures to ensure that such incidents are never repeated.
This verdict marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh's legal and judicial history, reinforcing the importance of justice and accountability within the nation's academic institutions.
Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman stated, "Through this verdict, Abrar Fahad's family and the nation have received justice. As the prosecution, we are satisfied with the ruling."
The attorney general said, quoting Mao Tse Tung, "'Though death befalls all men alike, it may be weightier than Mount Tai or lighter than a feather.' Abrar's death is heavy like a mountain for us."
"It has shaken the roots of the values of the entire nation. The death of Abrar Fahad has exposed how political fascism can grow day by day. At the same time, Abrar's death has established for us that no matter how strong fascism is, the humanity in people will sometimes awaken," he added.
Defense lawyer Azizur Rahman Dulu said, "We are aggrieved by this verdict. We did not receive justice as expected. We will appeal to the Appellate Division, hoping to receive justice there."
Abrar, a second-year student, was beaten to death by a group of now-banned Bangladesh Chhatra League activists at the Sher-e-Bangla Hall of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) on 7 October 2019.
Abrar's murder shook the nation sparking widespread protests by students.
The death pointed towards a greater problem, that is the ragging culture in university dormitories across the country. Students spoke up about the incident as well as past experiences.
Amid the protests, Buet authorities on 11 October 2019 banned all political activities on the campus and suspended 19 students accused in the Abrar killing case.
