The verdict in the high-profile murder case of Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur, will be delivered today at International Crimes Tribunal-2, presided over by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury.
Abu Sayeed was killed on July 16, 2024, during the anti-discrimination student movement, which intensified nationwide protests. His death sparked widespread outrage and contributed to significant political unrest, culminating in the overthrow of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024.
For the verdict, six of the 30 accused have been produced in court this morning. They include:
- SI Amir Hossain (Police Sub-Inspector)
- Constable Sujan Chandra Roy
- BRUR Proctor Shariful Islam
- Emran Chowdhury Akash, former General Secretary of the then-banned Chhatra League BRUR branch
- Assistant Registrar Rafiul Hasan Russel
- Staff member Anwar Parvez Apel
The Chief Prosecutor, Md. Aminul Islam, confirmed that the verdict will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television. The tribunal had set March 5 for the verdict, following the conclusion of arguments from both the prosecution and defense. On January 27, the case was kept ready for judgment after all arguments were submitted.
The prosecution submitted the investigation report on Abu Sayeed’s killing on June 26, 2025, and the tribunal formally accepted the charges on June 30. Of the 30 accused, six are in custody, while the remaining are still at large. The tribunal appointed four state-funded lawyers on July 22, 2025, to represent the absconding accused.
The case began formally on August 27, 2025, with opening statements after the charges against the 30 accused were framed on August 6, 2025.
The verdict is highly anticipated as a critical moment in Bangladesh’s recent history of student activism and justice for victims of political violence.
