‘Abu Sayed murder trial to end by Jan’
Staff Reporter :
The trial in the crimes against humanity case over the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayed during the July 2024 Uprising is expected to conclude by January next year, according to the prosecution.
Speaking to reporters at the premises of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam said, “The deposition of the 12th witness has been completed on Monday in the case against former Begum Rokeya University Vice-Chancellor Hasibur Rashid and 30 others. We expect to wrap up witness testimonies after examining around 30 to 35 witnesses in total.”
He added, “While the verdict timeline depends on the tribunal’s decision, we are optimistic that the trial will be completed by January.”
Addressing concerns over delays, the prosecutor explained, “One witness fell ill, and our investigation officer was engaged with two other cases. Such procedural delays are normal; there’s no deliberate attempt to slow down the process. We are working to conclude testimonies as soon as possible.”
Earlier on Monday, Akib Reza Khan, a student of Begum Rokeya University, testified as the 12th witness before Tribunal-2.
He told the court that he personally helped take Abu Sayed to the hospital after he was shot during a protest.
Akib alleged that the university administration’s “inaction and negligence” contributed to Sayed’s death, naming police personnel ASI Amir Hossain, Constable Sujan Chandra Roy, and several university officials as responsible parties.
Prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Abdus Sobhan Tarafder, Moinul Karim, and Shahidul Islam are representing the state in the case.
The tribunal had earlier rescheduled multiple hearing dates due to witness absences, moving the examination sessions from 13 October to 21 October, and later to 4 November.
Six accused individuals, including ASI Amir Hossain, former BRUR Proctor Shariful Islam, Constable Sujan Chandra Roy, and Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury, are currently in custody.
The remaining 24 accused, including ex-VC Hasibur Rashid, remain absconding.
Abu Sayed, a student of the English Department at Begum Rokeya University, was shot dead on 16 July 2024 during the quota reform and Students Against Discrimination protests.
The prosecution alleges that university officials and Chhatra League activists forcibly dispersed students, during which police opened fire, killing Sayed at close range.
His family filed a formal complaint on 13 January 2025, naming 25 individuals in connection with the killing.
The ICT had earlier set key procedural deadlines: the prosecution submitted its investigation report by 15 June, and the tribunal permitted interrogation of four accused in mid-June.
On 27 August, the tribunal began formal trial proceedings after framing charges against 30 accused earlier that month.
As the case progresses, the Abu Sayed trial continues to draw national attention as one of the most significant judicial proceedings arising from the 2024 July Uprising, symbolizing the ongoing pursuit of accountability for crimes committed during that turbulent period.