Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has mandated the creation of a comprehensive list of individuals killed in attacks orchestrated by terrorists affiliated with the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and other bodies associated with the Awami League (AL), as well as those killed by state forces under government orders, during the 15 years leading up to the July 2024 mass uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser issued this directive following a meeting with the family of Abrar Fahad, a BUET student who was brutally murdered. Fahad's father, Mohammad Barkat Ullah, his younger brother Abrar Fayyaz, and maternal uncle Mohammad Mofazzal Hossain met with Prof Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna to advocate for justice and seek an investigation into the violent incidents attributed to AL and its affiliates.
During the meeting, Barkat Ullah urged the Chief Adviser to expedite the trial of his son's murder case. He lamented the brutal nature of Fahad's killing, which he attributed to his son's advocacy for national interests, particularly his stance against the unequal distribution of cross-border river water. Barkat Ullah expressed the ongoing grief of Fahad's mother and highlighted the need for justice to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Furthermore, Barkat Ullah raised the issue of the long-standing demand for a bridge over the Gorai River in Kushtia, emphasizing the hardship faced by approximately 30,000 residents due to the absence of such infrastructure.
Abrar Fayyaz, Fahad's younger brother and a third-year BUET student, appealed for improvements in educational institutions to make them more conducive to student needs. He highlighted deficiencies in laboratories, equipment, and other essential facilities and urged the interim government to take concrete steps toward addressing these issues. Fayyaz also called for stringent measures to curb ragging, citing historical instances of harassment at BUET needing investigation and resolution.
Chief Adviser Prof Yunus acknowledged the impact of Abrar Fahad's murder on the nation and stressed the necessity of a fair trial. He assured that the list of victims would aid in investigating each incident linked to AL and its affiliates' terrorist activities before the 2024 July uprising. Additionally, he noted ongoing investigations into killings executed by state forces under previous government directives.