International Crimes Tribunal-2 has formally framed charges against 30 individuals in connection with the murder of Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University (BRUR), during the 2024 July mass uprising.
On Wednesday, the three-member panel of the tribunal led by Chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury issued the indictment order.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam represented the prosecution. Among the arrested, BRUR Proctor Md. Shariful Islam was represented by lawyer Aminul Gani Tito, police constable Sujon Chandra Roy was defended by lawyer Azizur Rahman Dulu, and Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury Akash was represented by lawyer Salahuddin Regan.
Earlier, on 24 June, the investigation agency submitted its report on the case to the tribunal’s prosecution office. A total of 30 individuals were accused in the case.
The tribunal formally took cognisance of the charges on 30 June and issued arrest warrants for those still at large.
On 13 July, the tribunal directed the jail authorities to produce previously arrested accused Russell and Parvez in court in connection with a related case. The same day, the court ordered public notices to be issued in newspapers for the arrest of 24 absconding accused.
On 22 July, the tribunal appointed state defense lawyers for the 24 absconders, which include the former vice-chancellor of BRUR and the former police commissioner of Rangpur Metropolitan Police.
Prosecutor Mizanul Islam stated that despite public notices being issued in two national newspapers, the absconding 24 accused failed to appear before the court. Therefore, the trial against them will proceed in absentia.
Of the six who have been arrested, two have yet to appoint defense counsel, and the tribunal has sought clarification on their legal representation.
Meanwhile, the court has appointed four state defense lawyers at public expense to represent the 24 absconders, meaning one lawyer will defend every six accused.