In a dramatic turn of events following a landmark judgment in the case concerning the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, convicts created disorder inside the International Crimes Tribunal premises, engaging in a scuffle with law enforcement personnel and shouting political slogans.
On Thursday afternoon, immediately after the pronouncement of the verdict by a three-member judicial panel headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury of the International Crimes Tribunal-2, tensions escalated as convicted individuals were being escorted out of the courtroom. Eyewitness accounts and court sources indicate that several of the sentenced accused became agitated, verbally protesting the decision and physically jostling with on-duty police officers stationed at the tribunal for security.
During the commotion, the convicts reportedly raised the slogan “Joy Bangla” and loudly rejected the verdict, insisting that they had been falsely implicated in the case. They maintained that the judgment was unjust and claimed that they had been framed, while continuing to resist security personnel attempting to maintain order.
The verdict itself concluded a high-profile case arising from allegations of crimes against humanity linked to the killing of Abu Sayeed, widely regarded as the first martyr of the July mass uprising. The tribunal handed down the death penalty to two police personnel, while 28 other accused individuals received varying terms of imprisonment depending on their level of involvement and responsibility established during trial proceedings.
Following the sentencing, security measures within the tribunal complex were briefly intensified to prevent further disruption. Officials later confirmed that the situation was brought under control without any reported injuries to judicial staff or law enforcement officers, though the atmosphere remained tense for a short period.
Sentences Delivered in the Case
| Category | Number of Accused | Designation / Role | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Death penalty | 2 | Former Assistant Sub-Inspector Amir Hossain; Constable Sujon Chandra Roy | Capital punishment |
| Life imprisonment | 3 | Former Assistant Commissioner Arifuzzaman (alias Jibon); OC of Tajhat Police Station Robiul Islam (alias Nayan); Former campus in-charge Bibhuti Bhushan Roy (alias Madhab) | Life imprisonment |
| Other custodial sentences | 28 | Various police and associated personnel | Varying terms of imprisonment |
The two individuals sentenced to death are former Assistant Sub-Inspector Amir Hossain and Constable Sujon Chandra Roy of Rangpur Metropolitan Police. Among those receiving life sentences are former Assistant Commissioner (Kotwali Zone) Arifuzzaman, also known as Jibon; former Officer-in-Charge of Tajhat Police Station Robiul Islam, also known as Nayan; and former Begum Rokeya University campus in-charge Bibhuti Bhushan Roy, also known as Madhab.
Court officials noted that the verdict represents one of the most significant rulings in recent proceedings related to the July uprising cases, reflecting the tribunal’s findings on command responsibility and direct involvement in the fatal incident.
The brief post-verdict unrest underscored the heightened emotions surrounding the case, which has drawn considerable public attention and remains a sensitive chapter in the country’s recent political and legal history.