Dhaka:Attorney General Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal has described the murder of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) student Abrar Fahad as an extreme example of fascism during a fascist regime.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Attorney General highlighted that people with political backing during that time believed they could evade justice. However, the verdict in Abrar Fahad's murder case demonstrated that offenders are held accountable and must face trial and punishment.
Ruhul Quddus Kazal mentioned that the state has not appealed against the High Court's decision because the trial court's verdict was upheld. He emphasized the state's commitment to ensuring citizens' constitutional right to speedy justice, indicating no intention to delay the case proceedings.
The Attorney General stated that once the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court begins hearing the case, the state will not request any adjournments, underscoring the necessity for a swift conclusion to the trial. He stressed the public's demand for the verdict's implementation.
Abrar Fahad, a second-year Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at BUET, was beaten to death at Sher-e-Bangla Hall on October 6, 2019. The murder led to widespread outrage across Bangladesh. Those involved were affiliated with the BUET unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League, which is now banned.
The Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 issued its verdict on December 8, 2021, sentencing 20 accused to death and five to life imprisonment. On March 16, 2025, the High Court upheld these sentences.
The individuals whose death sentences were confirmed include Mehedi Hasan (Russell), Md Anik Sarker, and several others, while those sentenced to life imprisonment include Muhtasim Fuad Hossain and four others. Those convicted have since filed appeals against the High Court's ruling.