ICT verdict in Abu Sayed killing case any day

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 may deliver its verdict any day in a crimes against humanity case filed over the killing of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) student Abu Sayed during the July Mass Uprising.

The two-member ICT-2 today kept the judgment in the case under CAV (curia advisari vult), a Latin legal term meaning the court awaits a verdict, as hearings concluded.News BSS

Earlier, on January 25, the prosecution sought maximum punishment for the accused, while the defence pleaded for their acquittal.

Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam, senior prosecutor Mizanul Islam and prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim appeared for the prosecution. Advocate Aminul Gani Tito represented former BRUR proctor Shariful Islam, while Advocate Sujad Miah acted as state-appointed defence counsel for the fugitive accused.

Six of the 30 accused were produced before the tribunal today. They are former BRUR proctor Shariful Islam, former assistant registrar Rafiul Hasan Russel, former staffer Md Anwar Pervej, former assistant sub-inspector Amir Hossain, former constable Sujan Chandra Roy, and former BRUR Chhatra League general secretary Imran Chowdhury Akash.

The tribunal framed charges against all 30 accused on August 6, 2025. Earlier, on June 30, the ICT-2 issued arrest warrants against 26 fugitives, including former BRUR vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Hasibur Rashid.

The investigation agency submitted its probe report on June 24, accusing 30 individuals, including the former commissioner of Rangpur Metropolitan Police. Four arrestees were interrogated on June 18 and 19 after being formally shown arrested by the tribunal on April 9.

According to the prosecution, on July 16, 2024, shortly before Abu Sayed’s death, the then proctor allegedly forced students off the campus with the help of Chhatra League activists, after which two policemen reportedly fired at Sayed at close range.

Sayed’s family filed a complaint on January 13, 2025, naming 25 individuals