'Abu Sayed killed by bricks thrown by protesters'

Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, was killed by bricks thrown by protesters, according to state-appointed defence lawyer Barrister Ishrat Jahan, representing absconding accused.

On Sunday, November 16, during cross-examination of police OC Md. Nure Alam Siddique, who gave testimony as witness number 30 in the case related to crimes against humanity, this claim was made. The two-member judicial panel of Tribunal-2, led by retired District and Sessions Judge Md. Manjurul Bashid, recorded the statement. The other member is District and Sessions Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.

During questioning, Ishrat asked OC Nure Alam about Abu Sayed, saying, “Where were you when the young man (Abu Sayed) was shot?”

Nure Alam said he was inside Gate 1 of Begum Rokeya University. AC Arifuzzaman was also present, but the gate was open.

The lawyer then asked, “You said that the shooting or attack was ordered directly by then AC Md. Arifuzzaman of Rangpur Kotwali Zone and OC Robiul Islam of Tajhat Police Station.” The witness confirmed.

Ishrat further said that Abu Sayed was shot under the orders of senior police officers, and the bricks thrown by protesters hit him on the back of his head, causing fatal bleeding.

OC Nure Alam denied these claims. Another lawyer then continued the questioning.

The tribunal heard testimony from 3pm to 5pm. In July 2024, Nure Alam served as police inspector (Investigation) at Haragachh Police Station, Rangpur. On the morning of July 16, he arrived at Rangpur Park with his team and remained on duty in Begum Rokeya University until the evening.

The officer recounted all events of the day to the tribunal, stating that Amir Hossain and Sujon fired under the orders of AC Arifuzzaman and then OC Robiul Islam. Abu Sayed was injured in this firing. During the shooting, AC Arifuzzaman deployed tear gas, and later students and the public moved to another location, according to Nure Alam.

Towards the end, the officer sought minor corrections to mention teachers, staff, and student leaders inside the BEROBI gate. The prosecution asked whether other senior officers were present.

Defence lawyer Aminul Gani Tito objected, saying only the prosecution can raise this correction, not the witness.

Prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Moinul Karim, Abdus Sattar Palwan, Sultan Mahmud, and others represented the prosecution during the hearing.

The next testimony in this case is scheduled for November 18. So far, 17 witnesses have testified, with a few more remaining before the prosecution concludes its case.