Prosecution seeks maximum punishment for culprits in Abu Sayed killing case

The prosecution at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 on Sunday pleaded for the maximum punishment of those accused in a crimes against humanity case over the killing of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) student Abu Sayed during the July Uprising.

Senior prosecutor Mizanul Islam made the plea in the closing arguments in the case.

Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam, prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim took part in the hearing from the prosecution, while Advocate Sujad Miah stood as state-appointed defence counsel for the fugitive accused.

Six of the 30 accused were produced before the tribunal on Sunday- 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 6 August 2025.

Advocate Azizur Rahman Dulu represented Sujan Chandra Roy; Advocate Aminul Gani Titu appeared for Shariful Islam; and Advocate Salauddin Regan represented Imran Chowdhury Akash.

The ICT-2 issued arrest warrants on 30 June 2025 against 26 fugitives, including former BRUR vice-chancellor Prof Md Hasibur Rashid.

The investigation agency submitted its report on 24 June 2025, accusing 30 individuals, including the former commissioner of Rangpur Metropolitan Police.

Four arrestees were interrogated on 18 and 19 June 2025 after the tribunal formally showed them arrested on 9 April 2025.

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

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