The prosecution on Sunday sought the highest punishment for 30 accused, including former Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid, in the killing of Abu Sayed, the first martyr of the July mass uprising.
Prosecutor Mizanul Islam placed the plea while presenting arguments before International Crimes Tribunal-2. The tribunal took up the hearing on Sunday, 25 January.
During the arguments, Mizanul Islam said the prosecution had proved the charges through witness testimony and documentary evidence.
“We believe the allegations have been established beyond doubt. We therefore seek the maximum punishment for the accused,” he told the court.
After the prosecution concluded its arguments, defence lawyers Aminul Gani Tito and Salauddin Regan presented submissions on behalf of the accused. The tribunal adjourned the hearing until Monday.
The case names 30 accused, including former vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid of Rangpur’s Begum Rokeya University. Six of them, including former proctor Shariful Islam, are currently in custody, while the remaining 24 remain at large.
A total of 25 witnesses, including the investigation officer, testified for the prosecution. Those currently in jail are ASI Amir Hossain, former proctor Shariful Islam, constable Sujon Chandra Roy, Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury, Rafiul Hasan Russell, and Anwar Parvez. The defence did not produce any witnesses.
Court sources said state-appointed lawyers represented the absconding accused during the proceedings.
The trial formally began on 6 August last year, when the tribunal framed charges against all 30 accused. The tribunal took cognisance of the formal charges on 30 June, and the prosecution delivered its opening statement on 27 August.
