The verdict in the widely discussed case concerning the killing of Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur and regarded as the first martyr of the July mass uprising, is scheduled to be delivered today, Thursday. The case has been classified as involving alleged crimes against humanity and has drawn significant national attention due to its political and social implications.
A total of 30 individuals stand accused in the case, including Md Hasibur Rashid, the former Vice-Chancellor of Begum Rokeya University. The judgment will be announced by International Crimes Tribunal-2.
The tribunal is headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury and comprises two other members, Justice Md Monjurul Bashid and Justice Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. Their decision is expected to conclude a case that has remained under intense public and media scrutiny.
Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam, speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, described Abu Sayeed as one of the most significant martyrs of the July movement. He stated that the killing was brutal and widely witnessed, adding that it had been documented not only nationally but also referenced in a United Nations report. According to him, the prosecution believes that the evidence gathered during investigation is strong enough to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Of the 30 accused, six are currently in custody while 24 remain absconding.
Status of the Accused
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total accused | 30 |
| In custody | 6 |
| Absconding | 24 |
Those in custody include former university officials and members of law enforcement agencies. Among them are the former Proctor of the university, Shariful Islam; former Assistant Registrar Rafiul Hasan Russell; contractual staff member Md Anwar Parvez; former Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police Amir Hossain; former constable Sujan Chandra Roy; and a leader of a banned organisation, Imran Chowdhury, also known as Akash.
A significant number of accused individuals, including the former Vice-Chancellor Md Hasibur Rashid, remain at large. Others absconding include former academic staff members from various departments, administrative officers, and former employees of the university.
The incident dates back to 16 July 2024, during an anti-discrimination student movement in Rangpur. Abu Sayeed was fatally shot during the protests, an event that was captured on video and subsequently circulated widely across the country. The footage shows him standing in the street with his arms outstretched before being struck by multiple gunshots fired by police officers.
The video sparked widespread outrage, becoming a defining moment in the protests and significantly intensifying public anger nationwide. The case is now seen as a landmark moment in the pursuit of accountability for alleged state-linked violence during the July uprising.