The verdict in a crimes against humanity case filed over the killing of Abu Sayed, the first martyr of the July uprising, will be announced any day.
After hearing arguments from both sides on Tuesday, International Crimes Tribunal-2 kept the case awaiting verdict.
Prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Abdus Sobhan Tarafdar, and Sheikh Moinul Karim represented the prosecution. During the arguments, they sought the maximum punishment for the accused, while the defence demanded acquittal.
Defence lawyers Aminul Gani Tito, Azizur Rahman Dulu, and Salauddin Regan represented the accused.
In this case, a total of 30 people, including former Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid, have been charged. Among them, six—including former proctor Shariful Islam—are currently in custody, while the remaining 24 are still absconding.
On behalf of the prosecution, a total of 25 witnesses, including the investigation officer, testified. Those in custody are ASI Amir Hossain, former proctor Shariful Islam, constable Sujan Chandra Roy, Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury, Rafiul Hasan Rassel, and Anwar Parvez. The defence did not produce any witnesses.
According to court sources, state-appointed lawyers participated in the proceedings on behalf of the absconding accused. The trial began on 6 August last year, when the tribunal framed charges against the 30 accused. Earlier, on 30 June, the formal charges were accepted, and on 27 August the prosecution presented its opening statement.
