7yrs on, Abrar’s case awaits final verdict

Seven years after the murder of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) student Abrar Fahad, the appeals filed by the death-row and life-term convicts remain pending before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, with the state now seeking a priority hearing for final disposal of the case.

Attorney General Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kajal said the state would draw the attention of the Appellate Division to the case and seek an early hearing of the appeals.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at his office on Tuesday, October 6.
Abrar, a second-year student of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department and a resident of Sher-e-Bangla Hall at BUET, was beaten to death on October 6, 2019.

He was allegedly killed by leaders and activists of the then ruling party’s student wing after he posted a statement on Facebook expressing his views on an agreement involving Bangladesh and India and water-related issues.

The following day, Abrar’s father, Barkat Ullah, filed a murder case with Chawkbazar Police Station against 19 people.

The investigation was completed within 37 days, and the investigating officer submitted the charge sheet on November 13, 2019.

On December 8, 2021, the Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 sentenced 20 accused to death and five others to life imprisonment in the case.

The death references were sent to the High Court on January 6, 2022.

After hearing the death references and appeals, a High Court bench comprising Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain upheld the trial court’s verdict, sentencing 20 convicts to death and five to life imprisonment on March 16 this year.

The convicts subsequently filed appeals with the Appellate Division challenging the High Court verdict.
The 20 death-row convicts are Mehedi Hasan Russell, Md Anik Sarker alias Apu, Mehedi Hasan Robin alias Shanto, Ifti Mosharraf Sokal, Md Moniruzzaman Monir, Mefthahul Islam Zion, Md Mazedur Rahman Mazed, Md Mujahidur Rahman Mujahid, Khandaker Tabakarul Islam alias Tanvir, Hossain Mohammad Toha, Md Shamim Billah, Md Sadat ASM Najmus Sadat, Muntasir Al Jami, Md Mizanur Rahman Mizan, SM Mahmud Setu, Shamsul Arefin Rafat, Md Morshed alias Morshed Amartya Islam, Ehteshamul Rabbi alias Tanim, Mohammad Morshed Uzzaman Mondal alias Jisan and Mujtaba Rafid.

The five convicts serving life sentences are Amit Saha, Ishtiaq Ahmed Munna, Md Akash Hossain, Muhtasim Fuad and Md Moaz alias Moaz Abu Horreira.

Attorney General Kajal said Abrar was killed for expressing a dissenting opinion and described the case as significant for ensuring accountability for violence against dissenting voices.

“We will draw the attention of the Appellate Division, led by the Chief Justice, to have the case heard on a priority basis. People want to see not only justice but also the final implementation of the verdict,” he said.

He added that the final disposal of the case should send a message that such violence would not go unpunished.

However, the appeals have not yet been included in the cause list of the Appellate Division.
Defence lawyer SM Shahjahan said both sides must complete procedural requirements before the case can be fixed for hearing.

“According to procedure, both sides have to submit their summaries and the paper book has to be prepared before the case can be fixed for hearing through the chamber court,” he said.

Another defence lawyer, Azizur Rahman Dulu, said the case was currently pending before the Appellate Division but had not yet been included in the cause list.

“Usually, cases are heard according to their serial and date. However, the honourable Chief Justice may direct that this case be heard on a priority basis,” he said.

With the seventh anniversary of Abrar’s murder falling today, October 6, the case remains at the appellate stage, with the final outcome dependent on the disposal of the appeals before the country’s highest court.

I have to take
Md Elias Hossain made the remarks while allegedly investigating a case at Raniganj Bazar recently. The video was recorded by a local resident and later went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism.

Md Saiful Islam, officer-in-charge of Chunarughat Police Station, confirmed the disciplinary action on Monday night.
According to local sources, Elias had gone to Raniganj Bazar to investigate a case filed by trader Noman Mia. During the visit, he allegedly made several remarks about taking bribes in the presence of people at the market.

In the video circulating online, Elias is heard saying, “I bought my uniform with bribe money, so I have to take bribes.”
He is also heard questioning whether people would believe him if he claimed that, despite being a police officer, he did not take bribes.
The video quickly spread on social media, prompting criticism of the officer’s remarks and calls for action against him.

Following the incident, police authorities withdrew Elias from Chunarughat Police Station and attached him to the Police Lines.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any further departmental action will be taken against him.