Dhaka: The prosecution at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 today pleaded for the maximum punishment for those accused in a crimes against humanity case concerning the killing of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) student Abu Sayed during the July Mass Uprising. Senior prosecutor Mizanul Islam made the plea during the closing arguments of the case.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam, along with prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim, participated in the hearing on behalf of the prosecution. Advocate Sujad Miah served as the state-appointed defense counsel for the fugitive accused. The tribunal saw the presence of six of the 30 accused: 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 had framed charges against all 30 accused on August 6, 2025. Advocates Azizur Rahman Dulu, Aminul Gani Titu, and Salauddin Regan represented Sujan Chandra Roy, Shariful Islam, and Imran Chowdhury Akash, respectively. The ICT-2 issued arrest warrants on June 30 against 26 fugitives, including former BRUR vice-chancellor Professor Dr. Md Hasibur Rashid.
The investigation agency submitted its report on June 24, accusing 30 individuals, including the former commissioner of Rangpur Metropolitan Police. Four individuals were interrogated on June 18 and 19 after being formally arrested by the tribunal on April 9.
According to the prosecution, on July 16, 2024, shortly before Sayed's death, the then-proctor allegedly forced students off campus with the assistance of Chhatra League activists. Subsequently, two policemen reportedly fired on Sayed at close range. Sayed's family filed a complaint on January 13, 2025, naming 25 individuals.