The International Crimes Tribunal-2 will deliver its verdict on 9 April in the crimes against humanity case over killing of Abu Sayed, the first martyr of the July uprising.
The case involves 30 individuals, including the former Vice-Chancellor of Begum Rokeya University, Hasibur Rashid, who are accused of crimes against humanity.
The tribunal fixed the date for the judgement on 5 March, after the case had been awaiting a verdict since 27 January, following the conclusion of arguments from both the prosecution and the defence.
Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam told reporters that the world witnessed the brutal nature of Abu Sayed’s killing, a fact also highlighted in United Nations reports. He expressed confidence that the prosecution has provided irrefutable evidence and expects a desirable verdict, stating that they have successfully proven the charges against the accused.
The prosecution’s case hinges on the principle of ‘superior responsibility’. According to formal charges, the killing was not an isolated incident but the result of a state-level directive. It is alleged that, under the orders of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, decisions were made to use lethal weapons against students. These instructions were purportedly passed to the home minister, then to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and subsequently through the entire police command structure.
This legal doctrine of superior responsibility has been applied to Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the then IGP, and senior police officials stationed in Rangpur. Investigations also implicated the university administration and auxiliary forces, including the Awami League and Jubo League. The prosecution alleged that high-ranking university officials directly incited and instructed the police to suppress the movement.
The prosecution was represented by Prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Abdus Sobhan Tarafder, and Sheikh Moinul Karim, who sought the maximum penalty for the accused. Conversely, the defence, represented by lawyers including Aminul Gani Tito, Azizur Rahman Dulu, Salahuddin Regan, and Abul Hasan, argued for an acquittal.
Out of the 30 accused, only six are currently in custody: former Proctor Shariful Islam, ASI Amir Hossain, Constable Sujan Chandra Roy, and Chhatra League leaders Imran Chowdhury, Rafiul Hasan Russell, and Anwar Parvez. The remaining 24 defendants are currently absconding.
The trial commenced on 6 August last year when the tribunal framed charges against the 30 accused. A total of 25 witnesses, including the investigating officer, testified for the prosecution, while the defence produced no witnesses. For the fugitive defendants, the state appointed four lawyers on 22 July to participate in the proceedings.
Abu Sayed, a student of the English Department at Begum Rokeya University, was killed on 16 July 2024, in front of the university gates. He became the first martyr of the July uprising on a day when at least six people lost their lives across the country.
Footage of Abu Sayed standing with his arms outstretched before being shot by police went viral, sparking widespread public outrage. This event served as a catalyst, transforming the student movement into a mass uprising that eventually led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and her subsequent flight to India.
