Dhaka: National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Md Abul Hasnat today testified before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 as a prosecution witness in the crimes against humanity case filed over the killing of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) student Abu Sayed during the July Mass Uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hasnat, chief organiser of the NCP for the southern region, described the course of the movement from the 2018 quota reform protests to the July 2024 uprising. He called for maximum punishment for ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, then BRUR administration, and the policemen accused of killing Sayed.
Hasnat testified that on July 14, 2024, student leaders submitted a memorandum to the President. That same night, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned from China and made remarks during a press briefing that triggered widespread student protests across Dhaka University. He noted that Chhatra League activists attempted to obstruct the marches and harassed female students.
Hasnat further explained that on July 15, 2024, students announced a protest march at the Raju Memorial Sculpture. Concurrently, Dhaka University Chhatra League and its Dhaka north and south city units announced counter-programmes. He said comments by Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader about “suppressing the movement” encouraged further hostility.
According to Hasnat, as students marched through the campus, Chhatra League activists led by Saddam, Enan, Soikot, and Shayon attacked them, again targeting female participants, causing nationwide outrage. He recounted how he was assaulted near the Registrar Building, requiring hospitalisation, and that injured students were later attacked again at hospitals.
Hasnat also recounted that nationwide protests were held on July 16, 2024. On that day, police entered Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, where student Abu Sayed was shot and later died. He mentioned that more deaths occurred that day, including that of Chhatra Dal activist Wasim in Chattogram’s Sholoshahar area, bringing the total fatalities to six.
He added that on July 17, 2024, he and fellow coordinator Sarjis Alam were picked up by intelligence members and subjected to physical and mental abuse until July 19.
Following his testimony, Hasnat was cross-examined by defence counsels Aminul Gani Titu, Azizur Rahman Dulu, and others.
Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam described Abu Sayed as a symbol of courage in the July Mass Uprising. In his opening statement, he alleged that Sayed was shot at close range by two policemen. The tribunal was shown two video clips submitted by the prosecution as evidence.
Six of the 30 accused were produced before the tribunal today: 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 framed charges against all 30 accused on August 6. Today was fixed for the prosecution’s opening statement.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam had earlier sought charge framing on July 30, while defence lawyers submitted discharge petitions on July 29 for three detained accused.
Advocate Azizur Rahman Dulu represented Sujan Chandra Roy; Advocate Aminul Gani Titu appeared for Shariful Islam; and Advocate Salauddin Regan represented Imran Chowdhury Akash.
The tribunal appointed six state defence counsels on July 22 to represent fugitives in absentia. 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 arrestees were interrogated on June 18 and 19 after the tribunal formally showed them arrested 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 help of Chhatra League activists, after which two policemen fired on Sayed at close range.
Sayed’s family filed a complaint on January 13, 2025, naming 25 individuals.