ICT set to deliver verdict in Abu Sayed killing case today

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) is set to deliver its verdict on Thursday in a crimes against humanity case over the killing of Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) student Abu Sayed during the July Mass Uprising.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Mazumder, had on March 5 fixed April 9 for delivering the judgment.

On January 27, the case was kept under CAV (curia advisari vult), meaning the court reserved its verdict after concluding the hearing.

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

Six of the 30 accused are currently in custody and stood trial in person, while the rest remain absconding and were tried in absentia. Those in custody include former BRUR proctor Shariful Islam, former assistant registrar Rafiul Hasan Russel, former staff member Md Anwar Pervej, former assistant sub-inspector Amir Hossain, former constable Sujan Chandra Roy, and former BRUR Chhatra League general secretary Imran Chowdhury Akash.

Charges against all 30 accused were framed on August 6, 2025.

Earlier, on June 30, 2025, ICT-2 issued arrest warrants for 26 fugitives, including former BRUR vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Hasibur Rashid, former Rangpur Metropolitan Police commissioner Md Moniruzzaman, former deputy police commissioner Mohammed Abu Maruf Hossain, former additional deputy police commissioner Md Shah Nur Alam Patwari, former assistant commissioner Md Arifuzzaman, former officer-in-charge of Tajhat Police Station Robiul Islam, sub-inspector Bivuti Bhushan Roy, and Dr Sarwar Hussain Chandan.

The investigation agency submitted its report on June 24, 2025, accusing 30 individuals in connection with the case.

According to the prosecution, on July 16, 2024, shortly before Abu Sayed was killed, the then proctor allegedly forced students off campus with the help of Chhatra League activists. Two police officers then reportedly shot Abu Sayed at close range.

Abu Sayed’s family filed the case on January 13, 2025, naming 25 individuals as accused.