ICT judgment in Abu Sayed killing case Thursday

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 is scheduled to pronounce judgment on Thursday in a crime against humanity case filed over the killing of Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) student Abu Sayed during the July Mass Uprising.

The three-member tribunal headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Mazumder on 5 March fixed 9 April for delivering the verdict in the case.

On 27 January, the tribunal kept the case under CAV (curia advisari vult), a Latin legal term meaning the court awaits its verdict, after concluding the hearing.

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

Six of the 30 accused were produced before the tribunal at the last hearing.

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 2025.

Earlier, on 30 June 2025, the ICT-2 issued arrest warrants against 26 fugitives, including former BRUR vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Hasibur Rashid.

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

According to the prosecution, on 16 July 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 Abu Sayed at close range.

Abu Sayed's family filed the complaint on 13 January 2025, naming 25 individuals.