Abu Sayed was shot in back of head, says father at ICT

Makbul Hossain, father of slain student activist Abu Sayed, gave emotional testimony on Thursday (August 28) before the International Crimes Tribunal-2, stating that his son had been shot in the back of the head during last year’s July Uprising.

Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, was the first person killed during the anti-discrimination movement that erupted in July 2024. His death triggered a nationwide protest that eventually led to the fall of the then-government on August 5.

While testifying as the first witness in the crimes against humanity case, Makbul Hossain said he discovered a bullet wound at the back of his son’s head while preparing the body for burial. “Blood was still flowing from the back of his head. His chest also had bullet wounds,” he said during the tribunal session, which began at 11:00am and was paused at 1:00pm, to reconvene at 3:00pm.

Recounting the events of the day, Makbul said he returned from the field to find his family devastated. “I was told Abu Sayed had been shot. A short while later, I was informed he had died. It was unbearable.”

He added that the body was brought home around 3:30am by his sons-in-law. Although authorities ordered an immediate burial, the family refused.

The funeral was eventually held the following morning, with burial taking place in the family graveyard after two rounds of funeral prayers.

Makbul Hossain directly accused former assistant sub-inspector Amir Hossain and former constable Sujan Chandra Roy of shooting his son. He also said that a few days before the killing, Abu Sayed had been assaulted by Pomel Barua, then-president of the university's Chhatra League unit. “He grabbed my son by the throat and slapped him,” Makbul said. He concluded his testimony by demanding justice for what he called the "martyrdom" of his son.

The tribunal officially began proceedings on Wednesday. A total of 30 individuals have been charged with crimes against humanity in connection with the July Uprising and the killing of Abu Sayed.

Among the accused are former Vice-Chancellor of Begum Rokeya University Dr. Md. Hasibur Rashid, who remains absconding, and five other former university officials and law enforcement personnel currently in custody.

The six detained individuals include: Former university proctor Shariful Islam, former assistant registrar Rafiul Hasan, former registrar office employee Anwar Parvez, former ASI Amir Hossain, former constable Sujan Chandra Roy, Imran Chowdhury alias Akash, a leader of the now-banned student organization Chhatra League.

According to the investigation report submitted on June 24, video footage of the incident showed Abu Sayed standing peacefully with arms outstretched before being shot multiple times at close range. The footage circulated widely, sparking national outrage and accelerating the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Formal charges were framed by the tribunal on August 6.

The tribunal will resume proceedings later today.