Dhaka:During a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office at the Cabinet Division of Bangladesh Secretariat, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assured the family of Abrar Fahad of comprehensive government support. Abrar Fahad, a student of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), was tragically beaten to death by members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League on October 6, 2019.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Abrar's father, Md Barkat Ullah, requested the Prime Minister's help in expediting the judicial process and executing the verdict in his son's murder case. The Prime Minister assured him that the case is currently pending before the higher court, and the judiciary will proceed independently. He also promised all necessary government support to the family.
Md Barkat Ullah further sought the Prime Minister's intervention to construct a bridge over the Gorai River in Kushtia and complete the construction of Abrar's grave and a nearby mosque. The Prime Minister pledged to fulfill these requests, including naming the bridge after Abrar Fahad and ensuring the mosque's construction is completed promptly.
During the meeting, Abrar's father also highlighted concerns about absconding convicts related to the case, urging for their immediate arrest. He mentioned an escapee from Kashimpur High Security Central Jail and called for action to bring all untraced accused to justice.
Abrar's mother, Rokeya Khatun, appealed for measures to prevent similar tragedies, emphasizing that students should be safe on campuses. Abrar's younger brother, Abrar Faiyaz, invited the Prime Minister to visit the BUET campus and advocated for the construction of a new residential hall named after Abrar Fahad. He also proposed including Abrar's story in educational textbooks.
The Prime Minister responded by contacting the Education Secretary and indicated that a project regarding a list of individuals killed in various periods is being processed by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
Abrar Fahad's murder led to significant protests at BUET and other universities, with students demanding justice and presenting a 10-point demand. The case progressed through the judicial system, resulting in death sentences for 20 individuals and life imprisonment for five others, with the case currently pending before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.