Abu Sayed's father expresses dissatisfaction with verdict

Maqbul Hossain, the father of Abu Sayed, the first martyr of the July Movement, has expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the verdict in the murder case.

He expressed his dissatisfaction while talking to the media in Rangpur on Thursday afternoon.

Maqbul Hossain said, "Only two people have been handed down death penalty, while there were many more criminals. I am not satisfied with this verdict at all; everyone should have been severely punished."

He also said that the main culprits and those who planned and ordered the murder have been given a light punishment. He also said that the next decision will be taken after consulting with the lawyer and family.

He particularly expressed his anger about Pomel Barua, the then president of Begum Rokeya University (Berobi) Chhatra League. Maqbul Hossain alleged that Pomel Barua had behaved the worst with Abu Sayed and was involved in the murder. However, he was sentenced to only 10 years in jail.

The verdict in this case was delivered today at the International Crimes Tribunal. Former ASI Amir Hossain and Constable Sujan Chandra have been sentenced to death in a case of crimes against humanity. Former Assistant Police Commissioner Arifuzzaman, former Police Inspector Rabiul Islam Nayan and SI Bibhuti Bhushan Roy have been sentenced to life imprisonment.

The three who received life in prison are former assistant commissioner of police (Kotwali Zone) Arifuzzaman alias Jiban, then police inspector (unarmed) of Tajhat Police Station Rabiul Islam alias Nayan, and former camp in-charge of Begum Rokeya University, Bibhuti Bhushan Ray, also known as Madhab.

Among others, seven individuals have been sentenced to 10 years in prison. They are former vice-chancellor of Begum Rokeya University Hasibur Rashid alias Bacchu; former commissioner of Rangpur Metropolitan Police Moniruzzaman alias Beltu; associate professor of mathematics Moshiur Rahman; associate professor of public administration Asaduzzaman Mondal alias Asad; assistant registrar Rafiul Hasan Russell; assistant registrar Hafizur Rahman alias Tufan; and banned Chhatra League's Begum Rokeya University unit president Pomel Barua.

Eight others have been sentenced to five years in prison. They include former deputy commissioner of Rangpur Metropolitan Police Abu Maruf Hossain alias Titu; former additional deputy commissioner Shah Noor Alam Patowary alias Suman; former proctor of Begum Rokeya University Shariful Islam; Rangpur Chhatra League joint general secretary Emran Chowdhury alias Akash alias Disha; joint general secretary Masudul Hasan alias Masud; university office assistant-cum-computer operator Mahabubar Rahman alias Babu; president of Rangpur Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad Dr Sarowat Hossain alias Chandan; and MLSS AKM Amir Hossain alias Amu.

Of the convicts, six were present at the dock when the tribunal pronounced the verdict, while the rest were tried in absentia.

Those in custody are Amir Hossain, Shariful Islam, Sujan Chandra Roy, and Chhatra League leaders Imran Chowdhury, Rafiul Hasan Russell, and Anwar Parvez.