Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 has announced that it will deliver its verdict on April 9 in the case concerning the killing of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) student Abu Sayed during the July Mass Uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the three-member tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Mazumder, set the date for the verdict through a brief order issued this morning. The case was previously kept under CAV (curia advisari vult), indicating the court was awaiting its decision, following the conclusion of hearings on January 27.
On January 25, during the proceedings, the prosecution sought the maximum punishment for the accused, whereas the defense argued for acquittal. The prosecution team included the then Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam, Senior Prosecutor Mizanul Islam, and Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim. Representing the defense was Advocate Aminul Gani Tito for former BRUR proctor Shariful Islam, and state-appointed defense counsel Advocate Sujad Miah for the fugitive accused.
At the last hearing, six of the 30 accused were present in the tribunal. These individuals were 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. Prior to this, on June 30, the ICT-2 had issued arrest warrants for 26 fugitives, including the former BRUR vice-chancellor Professor Dr. Md Hasibur Rashid. The investigation agency submitted its report on June 24, implicating 30 individuals, including the former commissioner of Rangpur Metropolitan Police.
The prosecution alleges that on July 16, 2024, shortly before Abu Sayed’s death, the then proctor forced students off the campus with the assistance of Chhatra League activists. Subsequently, two policemen reportedly fired at Sayed at close range. Sayed’s family filed a complaint on January 13, 2025, naming 25 individuals.